Lonna Drewes, the woman who accused former Rep. Eric Swalwell of rape is a fashion executive, model for prominent brands like Marc Jacobs and Juicy Couture, and has graced the silver screen.
Sitting next to her attorney, Lisa Bloom, Drewes revealed her accusations against Swalwell in an emotional press conference Tuesday, saying Swalwell allegedly drugged and raped her in 2018.
Drewes, 50, once worked as the chief executive officer for Global Fashion Data, StyleTrust, and Perfect Fit. As part of her New York modeling career, she also worked for brands Marc Jacobs, Christian Siriano, Joie, Juicy Couture, Paige Denim, Current/Elliott, and Kendall + Kylie, she says on her LinkedIn.
In the early to mid-2000s, she managed “over 100 models in New York City” as the president and owner of a talent agency and production company. She appeared active in fashion as of late last year, and a colleague credited her recently for inspiring her to start her own company.
Drewes said she initially engaged with Swalwell under business pretenses.
As revealed in her press conference, Drewes claimed she met Swalwell with the goal of establishing a “business relationship” and was interested in the “professional connections he offered to provide.” Swalwell allegedly told her he could introduce her to people in Silicon Valley.
But on their third meeting, he allegedly put something in her drink, and brought her back to his hotel room.
There, she claimed he choked her until she went unconscious and then allegedly raped her. Drewes said she did not report the alleged crime to police because she feared the repercussions.
“He raped me, and he choked me,” she said. “And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity, although I did not undergo a rape kit at the time, I disclosed the assault to the people closest to me.”
Drewes has been a California native for years, and moved to Santa Barbara County last year.
“Grateful for this next chapter,” she said of her move.
She has an extensive Instagram presence and posts many of her modeling pictures there. Her recent content largely revolves around travel in places like Belize and Hawaii.
The multi-faceted woman also played a small part in the 2015 movie Gnome Alone, starring Verne Troyer.
Drewes is expected to file a formal criminal complaint against Swalwell in West Hollywood. The US House Rep is expected to resign and has already ended his gubernatorial campaign.
