The former Olympian at the centre of the Reflecting Pool scandal is fighting back. He denies everything. The denials came through a lawyer late last night.
A statement, terse and defiant. It says the allegations are "categorically false."
But the damage is done. The pool, a symbol of national pride, was defaced. Graffiti, political slogans.
The timing is awkward. It comes as the government pushes its new law and order agenda. And now Scotland Yard is involved.
Not just local police. The Met's special liaison unit has been dispatched to Washington. Sources say it's a diplomatic courtesy.
But also a quiet signal. The government wants this handled with kid gloves. Too many Olympic medals at stake.
Too many reputations. The accused is a national treasure. Or was.
Now his name is dragged through the mud. The whispers in Whitehall are that Number 10 is panicking. They wanted a clean Brexit.
Now they have a messy scandal. Labour is circling. Demanding answers.
The Home Secretary is due to make a statement this afternoon. Expect platitudes. Expect no real answers.
This is a story that will run and run. The game is on.