Pete Hegseth’s Mother Accused Him Of Being An ‘Abuser Of Women’ In Email She Apologized For: ‘Take a Look At Yourself’
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The New York Times published an email this week to former Fox News host and Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth from his mother accusing him of mistreating women for years.
The former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Hegseth has been the center of controversy since being tapped by President-elect Donald Trump as his Secretary of Defense. Hegseth is a decorated combat veteran, but critics have argued he is unqualified for the position he could potentially move into.
Hegseth’s personal life has also come under fire in light of a settlement he paid to a woman who accused him of sexual assault. A report detailing the alleged sexual assault was obtained by Mediaite. Hegseth denies the accusation.
On Friday, The New York Times published an email, obtained from someone with ties to the Hegseth family, from Penelope Hegseth to her son in 2018 in which she accused him of being an “abuser of women.” Her email referenced Hegseth’s second wife, Samantha.
“You are an abuser of women — that is the ugly truth and I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around, and uses women for his own power and ego. You are that man (and have been for years) and as your mother, it pains me and embarrasses me to say that, but it is the sad, sad truth,” she wrote, according to The Times.
She accused her son of “dishonesty, sleeping around, betrayal, debasing, belittling” and said he needed to be “called out.”
The text continues:
Don’t you dare run to her and cry foul that we shared with us… that’s what babies do. It’s time for someone (I wish it was a strong man) to stand up to your abusive behavior and call it out, especially against women
We still love you, but we are broken by your behavior and lack of character. I don’t want to write emails like this and never thought I would. If it damages our relationship further, then so be it, but at least I have said my piece.
The email ended with her telling her son to “get some help and take an honest look at yourself.”
Hegseth’s mother spoke with The New York Times on Friday and said she sent a followup email immediately apologizing, saying it was written in “anger” while her son was dealing with a difficult divorce. She said publishing the email was “disgusting” and praised Hegseth as a good father and husband.
“I know my son. He is a good father, husband,” she said.
Hegseth’s mother said it is not true that her son is an abuser of women.
