Salt Lake City Council Member Eva Lopez Chavez said she welcomes a “fair and independent investigation” into a series of accusations that she allegedly restrained several people during what they considered unwanted sexual advances.

“At the same time, I want to be clear that I deny wrongdoing and will defend myself through the proper process,” said Lopez Chavez, who is also running for Congress, in a statement shared to social media Thursday afternoon.

She said the allegations should be “treated seriously” and that “the truth will prevail.”

“I also recognize that when concerns like these are raised, they can be difficult and unsettling for people in our community and for anyone who has experienced harm in their own lives,” the statement reads. “For that reason, I am sorry for the uncertainty and concern this situation may cause.”

The council member said she will continue in her role as an elected official.

Wednesday evening, the City Council said it is investigating the allegations, which were first reported Wednesday by The Salt Lake Tribune.

Four people — including a fellow member of the council, two state lawmakers, and a former mayoral campaign staffer — alleged they were restrained by Lopez Chavez in the years prior to Lopez Chavez joining the council in 2023.

The four people said they decided, in part, to speak publicly after Lopez Chavez’s reaction to fellow congressional candidate Nate Blouin’s recently unearthed past internet posts. The posts, among other things, included comments minimizing sexual assault.

Lopez Chavez called on Blouin to drop out of the race and said leadership is “defined by integrity and consistency — especially in how we treat women and respond to harm.”

[READ: Four people accuse Eva Lopez Chavez, a SLC Council member, of unwanted ‘sexual’ advances]

Blouin first commented on the allegations against Lopez Chavez on Friday.

“These sexual assault allegations are disturbing,” he said in a statement to The Tribune. “We must start by believing survivors, and anyone who comes forward deserves to be taken seriously and supported.”

Lopez Chavez, through attorney Greg Skordas, said nothing “inappropriate” occurred during her interactions with three of the people and the fourth alleged contact “never occurred.”

“This is politics at its worst in Utah. And when a politician is young and female, the allegations are more personal and salacious,” Skordas said in a statement to ABC4. “It’s really unfortunate what we’ve sunken to in this country. Rest assured that Eva intends to continue fighting for what’s right and will always support those who can’t speak for themselves.”

Skordas, a prominent Utah defense attorney, said the candidate looks forward to Saturday’s state Democratic party convention.

The Salt Lake City Council, in a statement posted to the council’s X account Wednesday night, said they take “these allegations very seriously.” The council added it’s “actively reviewing the information available to us” and is “committed to ensuring this matter is addressed with the urgency and care it requires.”

“As additional information becomes available, the Council will take all actions within our authority that are necessary to uphold our standards, ensure a professional and harassment-free workplace, and maintain public trust,” the council went on to say.

The Utah Democratic Party made a similar statement Thursday morning, saying in a post to social media that the party takes “allegations of this nature very seriously,” and noting that conduct concerns are reviewed through a party committee.

“Should that process be initiated, we will follow it thoroughly, confidentially, and with care for everyone involved,” the statement read.

The party noted that they do not endorse any candidates in contested primaries, a reference to Lopez Chavez’s campaign for the Democratic nomination in Utah’s new 1st Congressional District.

In a statement from the Utah House and Senate Democrats, Democratic members of the Legislature said they “stand in support of our colleagues who have bravely shared their stories.” Rep. Hoang Nguyen and Sen. Jen Plumb, both Salt Lake City Democrats, alleged Lopez Chavez made unwanted sexual advances toward them.

“We recognize the seriousness of these allegations and the courage it takes to come forward, especially when the person involved is an elected official,” the statement read. “Allegations of this nature must be met with care and a commitment to due process. At the same time, we cannot accept a culture where those who speak out are dismissed or doubted. This is not about politics; it is about supporting survivors of sexual violence and acknowledging that anyone can be affected.”

The lawmakers went on to say they expect the claims will be “taken seriously and reviewed thoroughly at all levels.”

“We reaffirm that there is no room in public service for any allegations of sexual assault or behavior that harms others,” they added.

In a post Thursday morning to Instagram, the Salt Lake County Democratic Party called the allegations “serious” and said the party “remains committed to supporting survivors, ensuring accountability, and upholding the public’s trust.”

“Those who come forward deserve to be believed, heard and supported,” the statement read.

The party added: “We condemn any form of harassment or abuse. These allegations have not been proven in a court of law, and due process must be respected.”

On Thursday afternoon, Emily Sloan Pace, the chair of the Downtown Community Council, which falls within Lopez Chavez’s District 4, said on behalf of the community council, “All of our interactions have been nothing but professional, but like everyone else, we’re withholding judgment till further investigations are complete.”

On Friday morning, Jenny Starley, the vice chair of the Central City Neighborhood Council, which also falls in Lopez Chavez’s district, said in a statement on behalf of the council that the group does “not have a role in investigating or commenting on specific allegations involving elected officials.”

“We encourage community members with questions or concerns about this matter to follow updates through official channels,” the statement read. “Our focus remains on supporting our neighborhood, uplifting resident voices, and ensuring our community spaces are safe and welcoming.”

Note to readers, April 21, 12:30 p.m. • This story has been updated to include comments from Blouin and the Central City Neighborhood Council.