Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., (A)C) blamed a member of her personnel for now not paying the “several thousands of dollars worth of goods and services” for her attendance on the 2021 Met Gala.
The House Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) opened an investigation whether or not Ocasio-Cortez violated House regulations by means of improperly accepting presents on the Met Gala, however the congresswoman claimed she used to be unaware and proceeded to let a personnel member take the blame.
While chatting with investigators, Ocasio-Cortez stated that she used to be blind to unpaid bills associated with the get dressed she wore and stylists that helped her get able for the Met Gala in 2021. “I just never, ever, ever would have allowed that to happen knowing what I have learned,” she stated. “But I wasn’t privy to the invoices, wasn’t privy to the ones that had been sent,” she added.
“And it is just a deeply regrettable situation,” Ocasio-Cortez persisted. “I feel terrible for especially the small businesses that were impacted.”
AOC FACES HOUSE ETHICS PROBE OVER MET GALA, WATCHDOG FINDS ‘SUBSTANTIAL REASON TO BELIEVE’ VIOLATIONS OCCURRED
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore a get dressed that stated “Tax the Rich” to the 2021 Met Gala, a well-liked sentiment amongst the ones at the left. (Kevin Mazur/MG21)
The Ocasio-Cortez staffer, who reportedly is now not running for the congresswoman, took accountability for the unpaid dues.
“I think the delay there for me was I didn’t have access to her personal credit card at that moment,” the staffer instructed House ethics investigators.
NEW YORK REP. ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ UNDER INVESTIGATION BY HOUSE ETHICS COMMITTEE
“Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez may have accepted impermissible gifts associated with her attendance at the Met Gala in 2021. If Rep. Ocasio-Cortez accepted impermissible gifts, then she may have violated House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law,” the criticism learn.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks all the way through a information convention on Capitol Hill. (Drew Angerer)
House Rule XXIII, clause 4, state that “a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House may not accept gifts except as provided by clause 5 of Rule XXV.” The House ethics place of job record main points that below House regulations, “the term ‘gift’ means a gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, forbearance, or other item having monetary value. The term includes gifts of services, training, transportation, lodging, and meals, whether provided in kind, by purchase of a ticket, payment in advance, or reimbursement after the expense has been incurred.”
According to the record from the OCE, “in 2021, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez was invited to and attended the Met Gala with Mr. Roberts. As part of her attendance, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez was provided with a couture dress, handbag, shoes, and jewelry. She also received hair, makeup, transportation, and ready-room services. Riley Roberts received a bowtie and shoes in advance of the event.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wears a “Tax The Rich” get dressed. (Mario Anzuoni)
While the phenomenal steadiness used to be ultimately paid, it used to be now not till after the congresswoman used to be contacted by means of the OCE.
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“While Rep. Ocasio-Cortez appears to have now paid for the rental value of the attire she wore to the Met Gala and for the goods and services she and her partner received in connection with this September 2021 event, payment for these goods and services did not occur until after the OCE contacted her in connection with this review,” the ethics place of job stated.
Fox News’ Adam Sabes and Chad Pergram contributed to this record.
