House Ethics Launches Investigation into Rep. Chuck Edwards Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

The House Ethics Committee announced on Thursday that it is investigating Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) following allegations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

The investigation was prompted by reports from Axios, which detailed inappropriate conduct by Edwards toward two female staffers in their 20s. One of the staffers later complained about his behavior and expressed concerns about potential retaliation.

The committee stated in a release:

The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), is reviewing allegations that Representative Chuck Edwards may have created or fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment in violation of the Code of Official Conduct or any other applicable standard of conduct.

Allegations Include Personal Gifts, Handwritten Letters, and Trips

According to Axios, the allegations involve:

• Affectionate handwritten correspondence
• Personal gifts, including a custom puzzle featuring actor Adam Sandler
• Drinking outings and casino trips
• Promotions and career-related influence

The report is based on multiple sources, photographs, and text messages obtained by Axios.

Edwards Denies Wrongdoing

Edwards has denied any wrongdoing but has not directly addressed the specific allegations reported by Axios. In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, he stated:

I think you're gonna find that when Ethics completes their investigation, that the facts will have caught up with all the gossip and the rumor.

Timeline of Key Events

• Last month: Axios first reported that the Ethics Committee had launched a probe into Edwards for unspecified allegations.
• Detailed claims emerged: Axios later reported unusually personal interactions between Edwards and two young female staffers, which three sources said crossed professional boundaries.
• Handwritten letter: Edwards wrote a three-page letter to one staffer, stating she had "written a complex chapter in my heart" shortly before she left the office.
• Custom puzzle gift: One staffer received a puzzle that, when assembled, revealed an image of actor Adam Sandler with a note inviting her to one of his comedy shows.
• Poem at farewell party: Edwards wrote and read a flattering poem for a female staffer at her office-wide going-away party, which four sources described as deeply uncomfortable for staff members.
• Post-employment trip: Edwards took one staffer on a vacation to the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas months after she left his office. Two sources said the staffer was concerned about Edwards' continued influence over her career.
• Flowers in hotel room: Upon arrival, Edwards had arranged for flowers to be waiting in the staffer’s hotel room, which she told him made her uncomfortable.

Rep. Chuck Edwards has been married since 1980.