If he really did grope her, he would be laying low and not do anything to invite unwelcome media scrutiny to himself.  Up until he filed his lawsuit, this incident was under the radar, so I believe he is telling the truth when he said he did not grope her.  Unfortunately, there are tons of man-hating women (and some men) who think all men are sexual predators and will stop at nothing to ruin them just because they are men.  You are correct when you say a woman only has to whisper "assault" and his name will be forever besmirched.