The news was first reported by Politico which claimed that a staffer has complained that he was groped by Garcia in 2014. The staffer is reported to have said that Garcia squeezed his buttocks and tried to touch his crotch. He has also said that she appeared to be in an inebriated state. He has claimed to have reported the issue to his then boss in January this year and the case is being currently investigated.

A lobbyist who has spoken to Politico, on the condition of anonymity, has also claimed that he too had suffered harassment at the hands of Garcia. According to his claims, the incident took place at a fundraising event in 2017, where too Garcia was allegedly in an inebriated state and tried to grab his crotch.

Garcia had earlier claimed that she herself had suffered sexual harassment at the hands of her colleagues. Being one of the most prominent women behind the #MeToo campaign, with her photo in the Time magazine for this as well, this will seriously hurt the credibility of the campaign that had otherwise received much deserved attention.

Garcia was quick to respond to the allegations and issued a statement saying that every such complaint about sexual harassment needs to be taken seriously and has also said that she will 'fully' participate in any investigation. Garcia has accepted that she did attend the event in question but rejected allegations sexual misconduct.

"The details of these claims have never been brought to my attention until today. I can confirm that I did attend the 2014 legislative softball game with a number of members and my staff. I can also say I have zero recollection of engaging in inappropriate behaviour and such behaviour is inconsistent with my values," Garcia said.