Thread by @NBCNews

In new statement, Virginia Lt. Gov. Fairfax says it is "important" to listen to women when they come forward with sexual assault allegations; says he first learned of allegation "shortly before my inauguration in 2018."

.@NBCNews has learned that Fairfax used profane language in a private meeting Monday night while referring to the accuser, Dr. Vanessa Tyson.

Two sources say Fairfax said of Tyson: “F--- that b----.”

Fairfax appears to reference the comments in his new statement.

BREAKING: Virginia AG Herring says wore blackface while "dressed like rappers we listened to at the time" at a college party in 1980; says did so "because of our ignorance and glib attitudes" that did not appreciate experiences and perspective of others. nbcnews.to/2RJmmoa

Sen. Warner says he's “shocked and incredibly disappointed” by what he's heard about Virginia AG Herring:

“This has been an awful week for Virginia.”

nbcnews.to/2RJmmoa

(via @MariannaNBCNews)

Lt. Gov. Fairfax’s chief of staff and policy director acknowledge to @NBCNews that the lt. gov. used the “F” word to refer to the situation, but dispute that he used the “B” word at all or used any heated language directed toward Vanessa Tyson.

Woman accusing Virginia Lt. Gov. Fairfax of sexual assault in 2004 details allegation in lengthy statement: "What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault." nbcnews.to/2SkeXBe

New Fairfax statement: "Reading Dr. Tyson's account is painful. I have never done anything like what she suggests.

As I said in my statement this morning, I have nothing to hide ... I believe that people should always be heard and the truth should be sought."