A lawsuit has been directed against Florida state Rep. Fabian Basabe (R), accusing him of sexual harassment. Former employees filed the lawsuit this week, citing repeated and unwanted sexual advances. As Basabe faces an investigation, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried (D) has responded to Basabe's lawsuit.
Basabe is not new to controversy as he has faced numerous controversies in the past. This includes a misdemeanor for disorderly conduct in 2016, and in 2021, Basabe filed to run for Miami Beach City Commissioner despite not living in the city of Miami Beach. He was ultimately removed from the ballot.
Earlier this year, Basabe once again made headlines after CBS 4 Miami reported that he had physically assaulted his 25-year-old legislative aide. While the incident is currently under investigation, Basabe is now facing further investigations amidst sexual harassment claims.
Both employees cite instances of being subjected to graphic conversations regarding sex among other concerning actions. In response to the lawsuit, Fried commented that “the actions detailed… are both shocking and vile.”
“If true, both Rep. Basabe and House Leadership owe restitution to these staffers and an apology to the people of Florida,” Fried added, noting that “as a society, we should have zero tolerance for sexual harassment directed towards any person of any gender.”
Fried went on the say that “the moment the first allegations against Basabe were made, the Republican House Majority Office should have acted swiftly. Instead, staffers were left in situations where an alleged predator could continue to harass and assault them.”
Given the lawsuit and the allegations, Fried argues that he “can no longer be entrusted with public service, and the Florida Democratic Party calls for his immediate resignation.”
If Basabe does not resign, Fried and the party “demand that the Florida House of Representatives follow their own ethics rules and expel him from their membership.”
Basabe has denied the accusations, claiming that they are “ridiculous.”
