Swalwell Denies Sexual Assault Claims at Donor's Mansion

The congressman's video was reportedly recorded at the home of a billionaire engaged to an OnlyFans model facing criminal charges.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:34pm

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Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) has denied sexual assault allegations against him in a video that was reportedly recorded at the Beverly Hills mansion of one of his billionaire donors, Stephen Cloobeck. Cloobeck is engaged to an OnlyFans model, Adva Lavie, who is facing criminal charges related to burglaries targeting wealthy older men.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell come as he is running for governor of California, and Democratic leaders have called for him to abandon the campaign. The location of Swalwell's video denial at a donor's home raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the optics of a politician seeking refuge with a wealthy benefactor amid a scandal.

The details

In the video, Swalwell claimed the sexual assault allegations are "flat false" and said he has "certainly made mistakes in judgment" in the past that he has apologized for to his wife. The New York Post reported that sources confirmed the video was recorded in a room at Cloobeck's Beverly Hills home. Cloobeck is set to marry Lavie, an OnlyFans model who is facing criminal charges related to burglaries targeting wealthy older men in Los Angeles.

  • Swalwell released the video denying the allegations on April 12, 2026.
  • Cloobeck and Lavie are scheduled to be married in June 2026, but the wedding is reportedly in jeopardy due to the allegations against Lavie.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California who is running for governor and has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women.

Stephen Cloobeck

A billionaire donor to Swalwell who owns the Beverly Hills mansion where Swalwell reportedly recorded his denial video.

Adva Lavie

An OnlyFans model who is engaged to Cloobeck and is facing criminal charges related to burglaries targeting wealthy older men in Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I am a saint. I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife, and to her I apologize deeply for putting her in this position. I also apologize to you if in any way you have doubted your support for me.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell, Congressman

What’s next

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is reportedly investigating the sexual assault allegations against Swalwell, and Democratic leaders have called for him to abandon his campaign for California governor.

The takeaway

The location of Swalwell's denial video at a donor's mansion raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the optics of a politician seeking refuge with a wealthy benefactor amid a scandal. The allegations against Swalwell and his donor's fiancée's own legal troubles underscore the complex web of relationships and controversies surrounding the congressman's gubernatorial campaign.