ICYMI: Democrats Silent as Union Leader Jonathan Byrd Faced with Additional Sexual Assault Accusations

April 12, 2023

April 12, 2023, Lansing, MI – A second woman has accused disgraced union leader Jonathan Byrd of sexual assault, according to the Detroit Free Press:

“In November of 2017, [Marcie] Hemgesberg filed a report of her own with the Flint Township Police Department, also accusing [Jonathan] Byrd of sexually assaulting her during a May 2016 encounter.”

The allegations shine a light on the numerous Michigan Democrat leaders and elected officials who were aware of these allegations and continued to associate with Mr. Byrd and put him on a pedestal as they repealed Michigan’s Right to Work law. 

Numerous questions remain unanswered:

• Why did Representative Haadsma “mediate” allegations of sexual assault?
• Upon learning of the victim’s intent to file charges, what did Representative Haadsma say?
• Why would Representative Haadsma, the Chair of the Labor Committee, allow Mr. Byrd the ability to testify, given his misconduct?
• How many other elected officials knew of the accusations, given the number of them in attendance at the fundraiser where the most recent assault occurred, and what did they do about it?
• How many other women have been a victim of Mr. Byrd?
• Why was he allowed to maintain a position of power where he could pray upon more women?
• Why did Attorney General Dana Nessel recuse herself from the first investigation, but not the second? Was Nessel at Senator McCann’s 2022 fundraiser where the second alleged assault occurred?

“The allegations against Mr. Byrd are disgusting and must be condemned by everyone. Yet, leading Michigan Democrats, such as Representative Jim Haadsma, knew of his actions and still enabled, empowered,  and provided him a platform because it benefited their political agenda.” said Michigan Rising Action Executive Director  Eric Ventimiglia. Ventimiglia continued, “Michigan Democrats’ continued silence on this matter speaks volumes about where their priorities lie, and it is past time for them to answer for their shameful enabling of Jonathan Byrd.”