Democrat Weighs Lawsuit Against GOP Rival Over Attack Ad's Sexually Charged Allegations

A Democratic congressional candidate in Pennsylvania is considering legal action against her Republican opponent after his campaign released an advertisement featuring accusations that she exposed herself to a neighbor's grandchild.

Janelle Stelson, a former television news anchor, has denied the allegations made in a 30-second commercial approved by incumbent Republican Rep. Scott Perry. The ad, released Monday, cites claims from Stelson's neighbor, Sharon Orr, who alleges the Democrat was seen naked in her yard in front of a minor.

Perry's campaign has used these unsubstantiated claims to question Stelson's fitness for office. The commercial opens with Perry's approval before a narrator states Stelson is "not fit to serve."

Alma Baker, Stelson's campaign manager, told The Philadelphia Inquirer on Wednesday that the campaign is evaluating a defamation lawsuit against Perry. "This false accusation is a pathetic, desperate attempt by Scott Perry to rescue his failing campaign, with easily disproven lies," Baker stated. She also referenced Stelson's history in television news and stated the candidate had been a "victim of stalking and harassment" over the years.

Orr's allegations center on claims that she witnessed Stelson walking outside her home naked in August, with her breasts and buttocks exposed in view of her grandchild. Orr stated she photographed the incident and contacted the police. However, Perry campaign spokesperson Matt Beynon acknowledged he had not seen the alleged photograph.

Orr also claimed to have seen Stelson outside her home earlier in the summer wearing only a shirt and underwear. She expressed concern because her grandchild is on the autism spectrum and "mirrors behaviors and actions."

Perry's campaign provided The Inquirer with a document labeled "Affadavit" detailing Orr's accusations. An East Pennsboro Township police lieutenant confirmed to the outlet that officers had been dispatched to Stelson's home over the summer.

The controversy emerges in the final stages of a closely watched congressional rematch in central Pennsylvania, where Perry is seeking to keep his seat, which he has held for seven terms. Democrats have accused Perry of attempting to discredit Stelson using unverified claims.

"We are seeing Republicans across the country run despicable, blatantly false ads in the closing days of this election because they know they're about to lose," said Eli Cousin, spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Perry's campaign, however, continues to support Orr's statement despite the lack of public photographic evidence. Stelson has unequivocally rejected the accusations, and her campaign is reviewing its legal options.