A social media figure who has helped spread viral allegations against California gubernatorial candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) has academic and political ties to one of his rivals, UC Irvine law professor and former Democratic California Rep. Katie Porter, though Porter denies a direct relationship. 

Unverified accusations alleging that Swalwell engaged in inappropriate conduct with younger women have circulated online for weeks, gaining traction in recent days as political operatives, rivals, and social media influencers amplified the claims, including suggestions that women were required to sign nondisclosure agreements.