Story perspectives

Rep. Comer urges DOJ probe of Kellen assault claims

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chair James Comer wrote to the Justice Department requesting an investigation of Sarah Kellen’s assault claims.
Kellen, who said no agency contacted her until July 2019, alleged French hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai assaulted her in Hawaii and Mayor Philip Levine forced himself on her in a shack.
Comer’s letter, signed by Rep. Lauren Boebert, Rep. William Timmons, Rep. Clay Higgins and Rep. Andy Biggs, asked the Justice Department to consider witness immunity.

History

Historical Context

The 1991 Senate Judiciary hearing, led by Senator Joe Biden, drew over 30 million TV viewers and set a precedent for congressional investigations of sexual-harassment claims against Supreme Court nominees. In April 2024 Rep. James Comer, with Reps. Boebert, Timmons, Higgins and Biggs, urged the Justice Department to probe assault allegations against Sarah Kellen, mirroring the Hill-Thomas episode as lawmakers influence federal prosecutorial agendas.

1 of 2

Story summary

Chair James Comer wrote to the Justice Department requesting an investigation of Sarah Kellen’s assault claims.
Kellen, who said no agency contacted her until July 2019, alleged French hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai assaulted her in Hawaii and Mayor Philip Levine forced himself on her in a shack.
Comer’s letter, signed by Rep. Lauren Boebert, Rep. William Timmons, Rep. Clay Higgins and Rep. Andy Biggs, asked the Justice Department to consider witness immunity.

1 / 2