Herschel Walker, the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, on Monday denied the claim that he paid for a girlfriend’s abortion in 2009, saying in a televised interview on Fox News Channel that the account published in the Daily Beast it’s a “total bore”. lie.”
Walker’s denial came after the Daily Beast published a detailed description of an unnamed former girlfriend who said Walker encouraged her to have an abortion after she became pregnant while they were dating, wrote her a check for $700 dollars to pay for the procedure and then sent her the following “get well” card.
When asked about the $700 check by Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Walker, who has opposed abortion rights, said he often gives money to other people. “I send money to a lot of people,” Walker said. “I believe in being generous.”
The Washington Post has not independently verified the Daily Beast report. Walker did not respond to a text message from The Post seeking comment.
The Republican Senate candidate issued a written statement posted on Twitter referencing the Daily Beast story. “I deny it in the strongest possible terms,” he said. In that statement, Walker also said he planned to “report to the Daily Beast.”
Walker is challenging Democratic Sen. Raphael G. Warnock in one of the most closely watched Senate contests of the year. The outcome of the race, which polls show is competitive, is expected to help determine which party controls the Senate for the next two years.
Shortly after the Daily Beast’s story was published, one of Walker’s sons took to social media to criticize his father, accusing Walker of lying and saying the former football star threatened him and his mother with violence that forced them to move several times.
“I know my mother and I would really appreciate it if my father Herschel Walker would stop lying and making fun of us,” wrote Christian Walker.
Christian Walker has offered support for his father in the past, tweeting a video last December of him hugging his father. “I had the honor of introducing my father, @HerschelWalker, last night at Mar a Lago,” wrote Christian Walker. The younger Walker has also used his Twitter account to promote conservative ideas.
On Monday evening, Christian Walker alleged that his father “threatened to kill us” and caused him and his mother to move six times in six months “running away from your violence”.
Christian Walker’s mother, Cindy Grossman, was married to Herschel Walker for nearly two decades and has recounted violent episodes in the past. Speaking to CNN, he detailed a moment when he “held the gun to my temple and said he was going to blow my brains out.”
Walker has faced criticism for false claims, as well as allegations of harassment and violent threats. He has said he has struggled with dissociative identity disorder throughout his life.
Christian Walker also said other family members discouraged his father from running for office “because we all knew (some) of his past.”
“He decided to give us the middle finger and air all his dirty laundry in public, while lying about it. I’m done,” wrote Christian Walker. He did not immediately respond to an email or direct message seeking additional comment.
When asked for comment about Christian Walker’s posts, the Herschel Walker campaign pointed to a tweet from the candidate.
“I LOVE my son no matter what,” Herschel Walker wrote on Twitter shortly after his son’s messages were published.
Walker, 60, one of the best-known figures in Georgia football history, won the Republican primary by a wide margin in May. He ran with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and the name recognition of a Heisman Trophy winner, national championship winner.