Matt Schlapp, Chairman of the American Conservative Union (ACU), is facing accusations of sexual assault shortly before the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) convention in Washington, D.C. The allegations, initially shared by journalist Yashar Ali, detail an incident at a bar in Virginia where Schlapp allegedly behaved inappropriately with several male patrons.
The incident reportedly took place on a Saturday night, less than two weeks before the 2025 CPAC event, which attracts numerous conservative figures to the nation’s capital. Witnesses allege Schlapp followed and stood uncomfortably close to various groups of men at the establishment, making his presence unsettling. One individual recounted feeling uneasy as Schlapp persistently remained nearby.
According to the report, the man’s partner confronted Schlapp before an alleged escalation of the situation. The accused reportedly touched the man’s genitals while maintaining eye contact, prompting his removal from the premises by staff. Schlapp, who is married to Mercedes Schalpp, allegedly returned later, engaging in a verbal altercation.
The CPAC organization has not yet commented on the allegations. However, Schlapp has faced previous allegations of sexual misconduct involving males. In 2023, Carlton Huffman, a former staffer for Herschel Walker, accused Schlapp of groping him, leading to a lawsuit demanding $9 million for battery and defamation. An investigation by CNN found Huffman received a $480,000 settlement via insurance.
In 2023, a ‘Do Not Invite’ list for CPAC leaked, indicating that Schlapp was attempting to blackball members of President Donald J. Trump’s family and America First Members of Congress.
