The woman who accused U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual harassment has said she is willing to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, in a letter to the committee Sept. 18, the woman said she wants the FBI to fully investigate the incident before she attends any congressional hearing or "interrogation" into her accusations, Fox News reports.
Here are seven things to know:
1. Christine Blasey, PhD, who concurrently works as a visiting professor at Stanford (Calif.) University School of Medicine and Palo Alto (Calif.) University, came forward with her public allegation against Mr. Kavanaugh Sept. 16 in an interview with The Washington Post. She told the publication that when she and Mr. Kavanaugh were teenagers, they attended a party in Washington, D.C. She said Mr. Kavanaugh and a friend pulled her into a bedroom, where Mr. Kavanaugh allegedly proceeded to pin her down, grope her, and attempt to remove her clothing before she escaped.
2. Mr. Kavanagh has repeatedly denied the allegations, stating they are "completely false" and said he has "never done anything like what the accuser describes — to her or to anyone," according to The Wall Street Journal.
3. Dr. Blasey and Mr. Kavanaugh will both reportedly testify Sept. 24. The hearing is reminiscent of the 1991 testimony of Anita Hill, who accused the future Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment, The New York Times reports.
4. In an interview with The Mercury News Sept. 17, one of Dr. Blasey's friends said Dr. Blasey discussed the alleged assault with her in late 2017 before Mr. Kavanaugh was nominated.
"[Dr. Blasey] said she had been assaulted. She said hers had been violent as well, physically scary, fighting for her life," the friend told the publication.
5. The Mercury News reports Dr. Blasey also discussed the incident with a therapist during a couples' therapy session in 2012.
6. Dr. Blasey and Mr. Kavanaugh are scheduled to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 24, CNN reports. However, the letter — obtained by Fox News — reiterates Dr. Blasey's insistence on a full FBI investigation into the incident before she attends a congressional hearing. Lawyers for Dr. Blasey told CNN Dr. Blasey "will talk to the committee," but that she is not prepared for the hearing Sept. 24, and is focusing on protecting her family. However, some high-ranking Senate Republicans have said they want to hear from Dr. Blasey prior to the vote, but have indicated they will move forward with a vote if Dr. Blasey chooses not to testify, according to Fox News.
7. The Senate Judiciary Committee issued a statement Sept. 18 condemning any threats made against Dr. Blasey, but said her request for FBI involvement was unfounded.
"The FBI has indicated to the committee and in public statements that it considers the matter closed. The FBI does not make credibility determinations. The FBI provides information on a confidential basis in order for decision makers to determine an individual's suitability. The Senate has the information it needs to follow up with witnesses and gather and assess the relevant evidence," the statement, obtained by Fox News, reads.
Editor's note: This article was updated at 8:15 a.m. Sept. 19 to include additional information. Becker's referred to Dr. Blasey on first reference as "Christine Blasey" instead of "Christine Blasey Ford" based on her public teaching profiles listed on Palo Alto University and Stanford's websites.