Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., improperly accepted a free ticket to the 2021 Met Gala for her partner Riley Roberts, according to a new report from the House Ethics Committee. The report also said Ocasio-Cortez accepted goods and services below-market value and failed to properly oversee her staff.
Ocasio-Cortez made headlines for her appearance because she wore a custom dress that stated “Tax the Rich” across the back. She was both praised for sending a message about wealth inequality and accused of hypocrisy because the tickets at the time cost $35,000 each. The Met Gala is a gathering of some of the richest, most elite and famous people in the world.
The committee said Ocasio-Cortez should make additional payments using her personal funds to compensate for the fair market value of certain expenses. Once she makes the payments, the committee will consider the matter closed.
Committee findings
The committee found that Ocasio-Cortez proactively took steps to ensure she was complying with House ethics rules regarding gifts. Her attorneys correctly determined that it was appropriate for her to receive a free ticket to the Met Gala because it was being provided by the charitable sponsor of the event, which is a fundraiser.
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Ocasio-Cortez’s fiancé, Riley Roberts, also received a free ticket, which the committee said was improper. House rules allow a member to accept a second ticket to events for a spouse or dependent child. Roberts and Cortez were partners at the time, they were not yet engaged.
The committee said Ocasio-Cortez should donate $250 to cover the cost of Roberts’ meal at the event.
The House of Representatives Gift Rule prohibits members from knowingly accepting a number of gifts, including tickets. However, there is an exception for attendance at “widely attended” events and “charity” events. The guidance has since been changed to allow a second ticket for any guest, not just a spouse or dependent child.
The committee also determined that Ocasio-Cortez should pay $2,733.28 to make up the difference between what she paid and the fair market value of the goods and services she received to attend the event. That includes renting the gown, shoes, purse, jewelry and hairpiece.
