Dumb. Why would anybody in their right mind try to frame intellectual or academic argument around the word assault?

Assault does not imply force as the argument suggests. Assault is literally a physical violation upon a person. Statutory rape is sexual assault even if the victim(s) are completely willing participants who claim no offense or provocation.

I think the lesson here is, if you are a scientist or engineer (i.e typically not a people person), then never say anything publicly about anything non-technical... ever.

Which is sad.