BETHESDA, MD — White House counselor Kellyanne Conway says she was physically assaulted by a woman while out with her middle school-aged daughter at a Bethesda restaurant last year. Conway spoke about the alleged incident for the first time, publicly, in an interview with CNN, saying she was grabbed and shaken by a woman at Uncle Julio’s Mexican restaurant in October.
“Somebody was grabbing me from behind, grabbing my arms, and was shaking me to the point where I felt maybe somebody was hugging me,” Conway told CNN in a story published Feb. 8.
“She was out of control. I don’t even know how to explain her to you. She was just, her whole face was terror and anger. She was right here, and my daughter was right there. She ought to pay for that,” she said.
Conway told the network that she called 911, but the woman left before police arrived.
The woman who Conway says attacked her was later identified by police as 63-year-old Mary Elizabeth Inabinett, of Chevy Chase.
Inabinett was charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct, court records show. She is scheduled to appear in District Court on March 29.
Inabinett’s lawyer, William Alden McDaniel Jr., refuted Conway’s assault allegation, saying his client would not plead guilty in court.
“Ms. Inabinett saw Kellyanne Conway, a public figure, in a public place, and exercised her First Amendment right to express her personal opinions,” McDaniel said in a statement to Patch.
“She did not assault Ms. Conway. The facts at trial will show this to be true, and show Ms. Conway’s account to be false.”
Uncle Julio’s Corporation told Patch it is cooperating fully with law enforcement officials.
“We strive to create an inviting environment for all of our guests where they can enjoy an outstanding dining experience, a spokesperson from Uncle Julio’s Corporation said. “We regret that anyone had anything less than a wonderful time in our restaurant, and are cooperating fully with local law enforcement.”
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This story may be updated.
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