In a significant ethics investigation, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for her bold "Tax The Rich" slogan attire, has faced scrutiny following her 2021 Met Gala appearance. This event has led to a comprehensive review by the House Ethics Committee regarding her and her then-boyfriend Riley Roberts' attendance.
The House Ethics Committee found Ocasio-Cortez in violation of regulations surrounding gifts, resulting in directives to address the financial discrepancies, the New York Post reported.
The committee disclosed that Ocasio-Cortez accepted apparel and accessories valued over $3,700, including a custom gown, luxury shoes, jewelry, and a floral hairpiece, while only covering less than $1,000 of the costs.
Vendors reported delays in payments for the pricey items, which prompted a formal investigation. Initiated in 2022 by the Office of Congressional Conduct, the situation escalated due to the non-payment complaints.
Although attempts were made by Ocasio-Cortez’s team to reduce the costs, comparing prices to those on rental websites, the House panel described their valuation methods for the couture gown as "unrealistic."
This financial ordeal was further complicated as several vendors, including a hairstylist owed $477.73, did not receive timely payments, eventually leading to threats of legal action against Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign.
Among the staff under the spotlight was ex-campaign manager Rebecca Rodriguez, who actively negotiated down initial invoicing for the gown from $1,300 to $300 and delayed payments to vendors.
Following these negotiations, unexpected charges surfaced post-event, amounting to $5,579, covering accommodations and transport during the gala.
This backdrop of financial turbulence occurred despite specific instructions from Ocasio-Cortez's camp to minimize costs, highlighting a disconnect between intentions and actions.
The ethics panel concluded there was no deliberate intention by Ocasio-Cortez to underpay but identified missteps in how her team managed the gala's expenses and guests under House rules.
As a resolution, the committee recommended that Ocasio-Cortez donate the equivalent cost of the meal ($250) enjoyed by Roberts at the event to the Costume Institute and compensate Brother Vellies an additional $2,733.28 for the goods received.
This gesture aims to resolve the ethical discrepancies meticulously pointed out in the committee’s investigations, ushering in a closure to this prolonged episode.
Mike Casca, Ocasio-Cortez's chief of staff, expressed appreciation for the committee’s findings, emphasizing efforts to comply with House Rules and ethical standards consistently. The congresswoman commits to rectifying the financial discrepancies as directed.
This lengthy investigation, which has drawn attention due to its association with both a high-profile event and the actions of a prominent political figure, is nearing its conclusion. The committee plans to close this case following the settlement of the instructed amounts.
The ethics investigation into Ocasio-Cortez’s Met Gala attendance serves as a stark reminder of the stringent scrutiny public officials face, particularly when they mix politics with high-society events.
