Dr. Johnson began her statement with, “I am here today not by choice. I am filled with fear. However, I feel a profound civic duty to recount the events that occurred between Samuel Richards and myself while we were both in high school.”
In her youth, Dr. Johnson’s social interactions overlapped with those of Richards, and in the summer of 1982, they found themselves at the same gathering. She described arriving at the party to find Richards and his companion, Michael King, already inebriated. Recalling the evening, she mentioned ascending the staircase to the second-floor bathroom, only to be unexpectedly pushed into a bedroom.
“I was unable to identify who pushed me. Samuel and Michael followed and secured the door behind them,” she recounted. “Music was already playing in the room, and it was turned up even louder by either Samuel or Michael once we entered.”
Dr. Johnson alleged that she was forced onto the bed, with Richards positioning himself above her. “He began to touch my body and thrust his hips against me. I shouted, hoping someone downstairs might hear, but I was unable to escape due to his weight,” she explained. She expressed her fear that he intended to rape her. “As I attempted to call for help,” she continued, “Samuel covered my mouth to silence my screams. This was the most terrifying moment of my life, leaving a lasting impact on my well-being. I struggled to breathe, fearing he might inadvertently kill me.”
During the incident, King leaped onto the bed, which provided Dr. Johnson a brief opportunity to escape to the bathroom and lock the door. Once she confirmed that the two had vacated the room, she fled the residence.
For many years, Dr. Johnson confided her experience only to her therapist, husband, and a few close friends. However, when she learned of Richards’ consideration for a Supreme Court nomination, she felt compelled to speak out. “It was my civic responsibility to inform those assessing his nomination about his conduct,” she said.
Despite her apprehensions about reliving the trauma and the potential impact on her family, Dr. Johnson ultimately decided to come forward. This decision led to threats against her life and derogatory remarks directed at her and her family, forcing them to relocate.
Nevertheless, Dr. Johnson faced the Senate Judiciary Committee with courage and shared her narrative. “My purpose in coming forward is to present the facts regarding how Mr. Richards’ actions have affected my life, so that you can thoughtfully consider this as you deliberate,” she stated. “It is not my role to judge Mr. Richards’ suitability for the Supreme Court; my duty is to share the truth.”
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In summary, Dr. Amanda Johnson’s testimony highlighted the profound psychological effects of her alleged assault by Samuel Richards, emphasizing the importance of speaking out.