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Contact: Karen J. Kessler
Evergreen Partners, Inc.
(908) 322-1100
kkessler@evergreenpr.com

February 8, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Request for Resignation of Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax
We serve as counsel for Meredith Watson, who was raped by Justin Fairfax in 2000, while they were
both students at Duke University. Mr. Fairfax’s attack was premeditated and aggressive. The two were
friends but never dated or had any romantic relationship.
Ms. Watson shared her account of the rape with friends in a series of emails and Facebook messages that
are now in our possession. Additionally, we have statements from former classmates corroborating that
Ms. Watson immediately told friends that Mr. Fairfax had raped her.
Ms. Watson was upset to learn that Mr. Fairfax raped at least one other woman after he attacked her. The
details of Ms. Watson’s attack are similar to those described by Dr. Vanessa Tyson.
At this time, Ms. Watson is reluctantly coming forward out of a strong sense of civic duty and her belief
that those seeking or serving in public office should be of the highest character. She has no interest in
becoming a media personality or reliving the trauma that has greatly affected her life. Similarly, she is
not seeking any financial damages.
On behalf of our client, we have notified Justin Fairfax through his attorneys that Ms. Watson hopes he
will resign from public office.
Nancy Erika Smith, Attorney for Meredith Watson
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