The Democrats like to bend the rules. But sometimes they go too far and have to pay.
Now this Democrat Congressmember got hit with a massive fine for breaking the rules.
AOC Violated House Ethics Rules at 2021 Met Gala
The House Ethics Committee found that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) violated House rules by accepting over $3,700 in rented apparel and gifts, including a “Tax The Rich” gown and a free ticket for her then-boyfriend Riley Roberts, for her high-profile appearance at the 2021 Met Gala.
The committee’s 26-page report detailed that Ocasio-Cortez paid only $990.76 for items valued at $3,724.04, including a Brother Vellies couture dress, luxury shoes, jewelry, a floral hairpiece, and a handbag.
The report noted delays in payments, with vendors, including a hairstylist owed $477.73, pursuing legal action due to nonpayment. While the committee found no evidence of intentional underpayment, it criticized Ocasio-Cortez’s staff for pressuring vendors to lower costs and failing to promptly settle bills.
The panel required Ocasio-Cortez to donate $250 for Roberts’ meal to the Costume Institute and pay Brother Vellies an additional $2,733.28, but imposed no further sanctions.
Investigation Highlights AOC’s Compliance Failures
The three-year investigation, concluded after a unanimous closed-door vote, revealed that Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign delayed payments to vendors until after repeated collection attempts and the Office of Congressional Conduct’s review.
The Met Gala, hosted by Vogue’s Anna Wintour, who personally invited Ocasio-Cortez and directed Brother Vellies to create a custom dress, placed the congresswoman in violation of House gift rules, which prohibit accepting such benefits except for widely attended charity events.
The report noted that Wintour’s directive to design a dress from scratch, despite the designer’s focus on accessories, created logistical challenges. Ocasio-Cortez’s chief of staff, Mike Casca, stated that she “made efforts to ensure her compliance” and would fulfill the committee’s payment requirements.
Context of AOC’s Met Gala Appearance and Political Impact
Ocasio-Cortez’s 2021 Met Gala appearance, marked by her “Tax The Rich” dress, drew widespread attention for its bold messaging but sparked criticism for her acceptance of high-value gifts at an event synonymous with elite extravagance.
The House Ethics Committee’s report clarifies that while Ocasio-Cortez did not intentionally underpay, her team’s handling of vendor payments and acceptance of the free ticket for Roberts violated regulations.
The incident adds to scrutiny of Ocasio-Cortez’s judgment, as her vocal critiques of wealth inequality contrast with her participation in a $35,000-per-ticket event.
The committee’s decision to require repayments without further sanctions aims to resolve the issue.
