Kavanaugh’s Prepared Opening Statement About Christine Ford Sets The Tone For His Hearing

In one of the most high-stakes congressional hearings in years, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford will testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday regarding her claim that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager. He's allowed to speak in his defense, of course, and Kavanaugh's prepared opening statement makes clear that he stands by all of his denials.

Ford says that when she and Kavanaugh were teenagers, he pinned her to a bed, groped her, attempted to rip her clothes off and pressed his hand against her mouth when she tried to scream. Kavanaugh categorically denies the accusations, but Republicans agreed to hold a hearing at which each could testify about the allegation. Since then, several additional women have accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

In the weeks leading up to the hearing, many Senate Republicans have signaled that they believe Kavanaugh, not his accusers. Sen. Orrin Hatch called Ford's story "too contrived" and "so slick it doesn't compute" and emphasized that Kavanaugh "said this did not happen." Sen. James Inhofe lamented that "accusations are being made about things that didn't happen," and said he has "a feeling" that the women who've accused Kavanaugh of sexual abuse "had a little help" from outsiders who want to tank Kavanaugh's nomination.

Here's the full prepared statement from Kavanaugh from his Senate testimony Thursday. It was released on Wednesday:

Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Feinstein, and Members of the Committee:

Eleven days ago, Dr. Ford publicly accused me of committing a serious wrong more than 36 years ago when we were both in high school. I denied the allegation immediately, unequivocally, and categorically. The next day, I told this Committee that I wanted to testify as soon as possible, under oath, to clear my name.

Over the past few days, other false and uncorroborated accusations have been aired. There has been a frenzy to come up with something—anything, no matter how far-fetched or odious—that will block a vote on my nomination. These are last-minute smears, pure and simple. They debase our public discourse. And the consequences extend beyond any one nomination. Such grotesque and obvious character assassination—if allowed to succeed—will dissuade competent and good people of all political persuasions from serving our country.

As I told this Committee the last time I appeared before you, a federal judge must be independent, not swayed by public or political pressure. That is the kind of judge I am and will always be. I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process. This effort to destroy my good name will not drive me out. The vile threats of violence against my family will not drive me out. I am here this morning to answer these allegations and to tell the truth. And the truth is that I have never sexually assaulted anyone—not in high school, not in college, not ever.

Sexual assault is horrific. It is morally wrong. It is illegal. It is contrary to my religious faith. And it contradicts the core promise of this Nation that all people are created equal and entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. Allegations of sexual assault must be taken seriously. Those who make allegations deserve to be heard. The subject of allegations also deserves to be heard. Due process is a foundation of the American rule of law.

Dr. Ford’s allegation dates back more than 36 years, to a party that she says occurred during our time in high school. I spent most of my time in high school focused on academics, sports, church, and service. But I was not perfect in those days, just as I am not perfect today. I drank beer with my friends, usually on weekends. Sometimes I had too many. In retrospect, I said and did things in high school that make me cringe now. But that’s not why we are here today. What I’ve been accused of is far more serious than juvenile misbehavior. I never did anything remotely resembling what Dr. Ford describes.

The allegation of misconduct is completely inconsistent with the rest of my life. The record of my life, from my days in grade school through the present day, shows that I have always promoted the equality and dignity of women.

I categorically and unequivocally deny the allegation against me by Dr. Ford. I never had any sexual or physical encounter of any kind with Dr. Ford. I am not questioning that Dr. Ford may have been sexually assaulted by some person in some place at some time. But I have never done that to her or to anyone. I am innocent of this charge.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Kavanaugh's nomination on Friday, after which point the full Senate will decide whether or not to confirm him for the Supreme Court.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit online.rainn.org.