Governor abandons groping inquiry
Stuntwoman sues, alleges a smear
Bob Egelko, Christian Berthelsen, Chronicle Staff Writers
Tuesday, December 9, 2003

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who promised after his election to seek an independent investigation into allegations that he groped or harassed women during his acting career, has changed his mind, an aide to the governor said Monday.

"After consulting with legal counsel and advisors, the governor has concluded that given the political nature of the allegations, an investigation would only provide more fodder for his political opponents,'' said Schwarzenegger spokesman Rob Stutzman.

The announcement came hours after a former movie stuntwoman sued Schwarzenegger for libel, claiming that one of his campaign operatives had smeared her after she accused the actor of sexually abusing her on two movie sets. She said the operative, Sean Walsh, had led reporters to believe that she was a convicted felon.