Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) spoke with The Floridian about the recent allegations against him and his personal life, reiterating that the issue was a "personal matter."
Near the end of February, Washington Metropolitan Police responded to an alleged incident involving Rep. Mills and Sarah Raviani, who both denied the claims that he had been physically abusive toward her in the midst of a heated argument.
In a statement, Raviani told The Floridian that she was "severely jet-lagged and sleep-deprived" after a 14-hour flight and had been drinking. Bruises and marks on her arms believed to be evidence of alleged violence were related to her trip to Dubai from which she had flown in and eczema.
"While the personal matter in question was emotionally charged, there was no physical altercation. Regrettably, the situation has since been misrepresented by reporters and led to relentless harassment from various sources. Words have been taken out of context, and my privacy is being disregarded. This is a deeply personal matter that is being unfairly exploited for political purposes or other motives," Raviani said in a written statement.
Regardless, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried called for an investigation into Rep. Mills, accusing the Trump Administration of covering up for him.
"It's obscene but not surprising to think that Cory Mills may get away with domestic assault because he's one of the president's loyal soldiers. After all, Donald Trump himself was once found liable for sexual abuse. If the D.C. police thought the case warranted his arrest, it's reasonable to ask why 'Trump's lawyers' decided to ignore it. I also think it's reasonable to ask what Cory Mills was doing in a luxury D.C. high rise with a woman who isn't his wife," said Fried in her statement.
In further comments to The Floridian, the accused Florida congressman remained steadfast, saying news coverage "publicized false accusations about me related to an alleged personal incident."
"While this is a private issue, it has unfortunately been turned into something of a salacious attack," Mills continued, clarifying that he and his wife, "have been separated for many years and working through divorce proceedings for the last two years. Much like this issue, my marital separation and ongoing divorce proceedings are also a private matter. "
HERE IS HIS FULL STATEMENT:
Recently, the media publicized false accusations about me related to an alleged personal incident. While this is a private issue, it has unfortunately been turned into something of a salacious attack.
I want to make it clear that I have been separated for many years and working through divorce proceedings for the last two years.
My separation and ongoing divorce proceedings are also a private matter and should not be politicized.
