GOP Sen. Martha McSally: Joint Chiefs of Staff nominee accused of sexual assault 'is innocent'

John Hyten.
(Image credit: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

President Trump's nominee for vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Tuesday denied allegations of sexual assault, receiving support from Sen. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) in the process.

The Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday held a confirmation hearing for General John Hyten, who has been accused by a senior military officer and former aide of sexual assault. Kathryn Spletstoser told The New York Times that Hyten tried to kiss her and touch her inappropriately on numerous occasions and that in a hotel room, he pulled her toward him, kissed her, pressed himself against her, and ejaculated onto her. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations found insufficient evidence to support the allegation, CBS News reports.

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.