In an ironic turn of events, state representative Fabian Basabe (R), who has been vocal about his support for the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law in Florida, finds himself at the center of a sexual harassment scandal involving two former male staffers. Basabe, is married to a woman but has avoided questions about his sexual orientation.
The first accuser, Nicolas Frevola, a 25-year-old legislative aide, claims that during a Career Day event at a Miami elementary school, Basabe made unwanted advances, including slapping his buttocks and uttering explicit remarks. Frevola also alleges that Basabe physically assaulted him on another occasion, slapping him across the face.
Adding fuel to the fire, a 24-year-old unpaid intern named Jacob Cutbirth stepped forward with even more disturbing accusations against Basabe. Cutbirth recounts an unsettling incident where, after escorting a heavily intoxicated Basabe to a hotel, the lawmaker allegedly groped him, attempted to kiss him, and extended an invitation for sexual activity. Cutbirth further reveals that Basabe objectified him, referring to him as “eye candy” and inappropriately discussing sexual matters.
Basabe was an ardent supporter of Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, wich prohibits any discussion of LGBTQ+ issues in schools, a stance that has drawn criticism from advocates and raised questions about Basabe’s true stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
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The fallout from the accusations has had far-reaching implications. Frevola, Cutbirth, and Frevola’s mother have filed a civil lawsuit against Basabe, seeking justice for the alleged harassment and defamation.
In response, Basabe and his attorney, Robert Fernandez, have staunchly denied the allegations, dismissing the lawsuit as baseless and frivolous. They maintain that Basabe will not grant the scandal any undue attention, vowing to protect his reputation from what they describe as an opportunistic attack.
