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There is a breaking story tonight and it has one Cabinet minister under extreme pressure. He's accused of sexual misconduct by a former supporter who is also a professional. Tonight 7news has confirmed that she has made a complaint to the Prime Minister about the minister's behavior - she calls him unfit for office.
Screenshots of text messages sent to the PM in early May have reached our news room where the woman claims and shows that the Minister sent text messages and pictures of an overtly sexual nature to her. She also claims she was threatened. The woman tells the PM in these messages that she had to leave the country in fear of her safety. The woman has not made a police report or any formal complaint, but she tells us she also had a verbal conversation with the Prime Minister detailing the allegations.
We reached out to him for comment, but at news time he had not responded.
We should note that we have been aware of this story for some time - and have spoken to both parties. The Minister claims the relationship was consensual and no rules were broken or threats made. He also claims his accuser initiated it. He says he is now being extorted by her and can take action to sanction her professionally. The woman claims she was sexually harassed and is being professionally threatened by him.
There's a complicated web of allegations and counter allegations, as well as screenshots on both sides. There are also other claims also involving land dealings and talks of negotiations towards a legal settlement. But, now that the screenshots are circulating, and the private issue is now very public - we'll see what action - if any - it forces the Prime Minister to take.
