Story perspectives

Labor Secretary's Husband Barred Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

2/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shawn DeRemer, husband of U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, was barred from Labor Department headquarters after allegations of sexual assault by two female staff members.
The December 18 incident was captured on security cameras.
A police report filed on January 24 describes forced sexual contact.
The ongoing probe into Chavez-DeRemer's conduct includes claims of misusing taxpayer funds and inappropriate staff relationships.

History

Historical Context

The Civil Rights Act of 1991 strengthened workplace protections against sexual harassment, building on earlier cases like Anita Hill's testimony against Clarence Thomas in 1991, which brought national attention to the issue. Recent allegations against Shawn DeRemer, involving forced sexual contact, underscore ongoing challenges in enforcing these protections and may lead to increased scrutiny of workplace accountability within the Labor Department.

1 of 2

Story summary

Shawn DeRemer, husband of U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, was barred from Labor Department headquarters after allegations of sexual assault by two female staff members.
The December 18 incident was captured on security cameras.
A police report filed on January 24 describes forced sexual contact.
The ongoing probe into Chavez-DeRemer's conduct includes claims of misusing taxpayer funds and inappropriate staff relationships.

1 / 2