Lawsuit Alleges Sexual Battery, Defamation, and Conspiracy Against Matt Schlapp and Wife Mercedes Schlapp

A Republican operative has filed a civil lawsuit against Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, and his wife Mercedes Schlapp. The lawsuit, which was filed in the Virginia Circuit Court in Alexandria, seeks $9.4 million in damages and alleges sexual battery, defamation, and conspiracy to impugn the accuser.

The plaintiff, who is listed as John Doe in the lawsuit, worked as an aide to Georgia Republican Senate nominee Herschel Walker last year. He alleges that Schlapp “reached in between my legs and fondled me” during a car ride that followed a night of drinking at two Atlanta bars on October 19.

The lawsuit also claims that the Schlapps and others dishonestly tried “to discredit” the plaintiff. It alleges that the Schlapps and their associates “engaged in a malicious campaign to defame and discredit” the plaintiff, including “false and defamatory statements” about him.

The lawsuit comes after the Republican campaign staffer publicly accused Schlapp of sexual assault in October. Schlapp has denied the allegations and has not been charged with any crime.

The case is ongoing and no court date has been set. The plaintiff is seeking a jury trial.