House ethics panel investigating allegations against Rep. Katie Hill

Freshman Rep. Katie Hill (D-Calif.) is denying allegations that she had an improper sexual relationship with one of her male congressional staffers.

The accusation is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee. Hill told Politico she is in the middle of an acrimonious divorce, and her "abusive husband' is behind the controversy.

In a letter to constituents, Hill revealed that during her 2018 campaign, she did have a relationship with a female staffer. Hill, who identifies as bisexual, said she knows that "even a consensual relationship with a subordinate is inappropriate, but I still allowed it to happen despite my better judgment. For that, I apologize." She added, "I am saddened that the deeply personal matter of my divorce has been brought into public view, even the false allegations of a relationship with my congressional staffer, which I have publicly denied, and I am fully and proactively cooperating with the Ethics Committee."

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Hill also said U.S. Capitol Police are looking into how a nude photo of the congresswoman was released and posted to a conservative website. Hill was elected last November in a district that was once staunchly Republican, and some colleagues believe this is part of a political smear, Politico reports.