Carlton Huffman, a longtime Republican aide, accuses the CPAC leader of harassment as legal proceedings advance.
Carlton Huffman, a veteran GOP aide, has publicly identified himself as the plaintiff in a $9.6 million lawsuit accusing Matt Schlapp, leader of the American Conservative Union (ACU), of sexual misconduct. Huffman disclosed his identity during an interview with The Washington Post following a court ruling requiring him to do so to continue legal proceedings.
“I’m not stepping back,” Huffman stated. “Matt Schlapp must face accountability for his actions, and I’m committed to pursuing justice.”
Huffman alleges that Schlapp made unwanted sexual advances and groped him during a trip to Georgia last autumn. The pair had been campaigning for Herschel Walker, a Republican Senate candidate backed by former President Donald Trump, who ultimately lost the election. Huffman claims the incidents occurred without his consent and led to emotional distress.
Schlapp has denied the accusations. At CPAC 2023, he avoided direct questions about the case, while his attorney, Mark Carallo, expressed confidence in Schlapp’s defence, stating, “We are certain the truth will emerge in court, and we will prevail.” Carallo declined to provide further details, citing respect for the judicial process.
The allegations against Schlapp have cast a shadow over the ACU and CPAC, which faced diminished attendance this year. Critics attribute the decline to the group’s increasing alignment with far-right ideologies under Donald Trump’s influence. While CPAC 2023 primarily celebrated Trump’s presidency, notable Republicans, including Mike Pompeo and two of Trump’s declared 2024 challengers, also addressed attendees.
The conference concluded with a keynote speech by Trump, reaffirming his 2024 presidential ambitions. Meanwhile, his expected primary competitor, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, spoke at a separate event the same weekend.
As Huffman prepares to file an updated lawsuit, he remains resolute in his quest for accountability. “This is about holding powerful individuals responsible for their actions, no matter their status or influence,” Huffman said.
