AOC faces House ethics probe over Met Gala

OAN Geraldyn Berry
UPDATED AT 5:59 PM PPT Thursday March 2, 2023

After Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s 2021 Met Gala attire was found to be inappropriate, the Office of House Ethics launched an investigation by a congressional investigator.

Anna Wintour (editor-in-chief at Vogue) had invited the Democrat to the 2021 Met Gala. The Brother Vellies’ white Brother Vellies dress featured the phrase “Tax the Rich”, written in large red letters at the back. She attended the Met Gala in New York City.

According to a report by the Office of Congressional Ethics, Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic senator from New York, is believed to have received “impermissible gifts” in connection with her participation at the Met Gala 2021. She also “received a number of goods and services that she did not have to pay for.” This could have been contrary to House rules, federal law and conduct standards.

“In 2021, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez attended the Met Gala along with Mr. Roberts. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez received a couture gown, handbag, shoes and jewelry as part of her attendance. Hair, makeup, transportation and ready-room services were also provided to her. According to the report, Riley Roberts was given a bowtie as well as shoes before the event. “Rep. Ocasio-Cortez seems to have paid for the rental cost of the outfit she wore to the Met Gala as well as for the goods, services, and goods she received in connection to this September 2021 event. However, payment did not occur until after OCE reached out to her regarding this review.”

David Mitrani (Ocasio-Cortez’s lawyer) responded to the ethics review.

“Though there has been no Ethics violation, the Office of Congressional Ethics (“OCE”) identified delays in payment vendors for costs related to the Congresswoman’s attendance to the Met Gala. These delays are unacceptable to the Congresswoman, and she has taken many steps to ensure that this does not happen again,” Mitrani stated.