A Lexington councilwoman who has been accused of sexually inappropriate behavior by a fellow councilwoman said Monday the allegations are false and driven by politics.
“I can assure the press, the public, my constituents and any other interested party that the allegations are patently false. I do not know exactly what is driving this sudden unexpected derogatory accusation, but it does not escape attention that the allegation has been made within 90 days of our next City Council election in which I am on the ballot as the incumbent 4th District Council member for the city of Lexington,” said Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councilwoman Brenda Monarrez.
Monday’s statement is the first time Monarrez has spoken about the allegations.
Monarrez faces Emma Curtis in the November general election. Council races are nonpartisan.
On Aug. 8, fellow Lexington Councilwoman Denise Gray applied for a restraining order called an interpersonal protection order, alleging Monarrez was sexually aggressive toward her on two occasions over the past three years. An emergency protection order was granted, and the two were ordered not to have any contact.
During an Aug. 20 hearing, Fayette Family Court Judge Traci Brislin ordered Monarrez to work from home and not attend any council meetings in person. Monarrez will attend meetings virtually.
A full hearing — where both sides will be able to produce evidence — is scheduled for Oct. 16.
In her statement, Monarrez also noted that interpersonal protection orders are civil, not criminal, matters, and she has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing.
“The present court status regarding the allegations against me is that no court has yet made any determination as to whether any inappropriate conduct occurred. The court has taken the usual steps of ensuring separation of the parties until an evidentiary hearing can be held, “ Monarrez said.
Monarrez said she looks forward to clearing her name.
“I look forward to the opportunity to have all the true facts come to light with respect to the baseless accusations that have been made against me, and I look forward to the day this vile attempt to smear my personal and political reputation is exposed for what it is,” Monarrez said.
Gray has declined comment on several occasions since filing the interpersonal protection order. She is running unopposed for reelection.
Monarrez and Gray were both elected in 2022.
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