Photo: gotpap/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
DeMario Jacksonis breaking his silence after two women accused him of sexual assault.
In a statement shared withEntertainment Tonight, theBachelor in Paradisealum denied the allegations while explaining his side of the story.
“Four years ago, I, DeMario Jackson, walked directly into the Los Angeles police station after being falsely accused of raping two white women without a lawyer present and the police let me freely leave,” began Jackson, 35.
“Here is why: My arriving and departing Uber receipts proved when, where and the time I was with these women and the truth is my receipts proved I was completely out of the vicinity,” he continued. “In addition to that, I provided screenshots of text message communication the day after they filed police reports. The authorities looked at all my evidence and let me, a six foot, four inches tall Black man leave that precinct without a doubt because I did no wrong. I am innocent, I did not hurt or harm those women.”
Jackson said his “name was smeared beyond measure” after news of the allegations were publicized. As for his plan of action going forward, the former reality star declared, “I am formally starting the process to clear my name.”
“The criminal case (District Attorney cleared me) is about my freedom and the civil case is about my money. I will defend myself,” he added. “Thank you all for the love and support.”
The two unnamed women accused Jackson of using his celebrity status when “trolling the internet or otherwise attempting to locate unsuspecting women, such as the Plaintiffs in order to abuse them.”
“They, like so many other victims in the #metoo reckoning, will be silent no more,” the statement continued. “Justice must be served. We look forward to holding all wrongdoers accountable for their despicable and scarring acts.”
Jackson previously competed onRachel Lindsay’s season of ABC’sThe Bachelorettein 2017. Later that year, he appeared on season 4 ofBachelor in Paradise.
Production was shut down during his time on the spin-off afterJackson was accused of sexual misconduct.
Warner Bros. launched an investigation to determine whether he behaved inappropriately with fellow contestantCorinne Olympios, who was believed to have beentoo intoxicated to give proper consent. It was ultimately determined no misconduct had occurred.
source: people.com
