Congressional Ethics Report Addresses Ocasio-Cortez’s Met Gala Gifts and Spousal Privileges

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) was ordered by the House Ethics Committee to reimburse $2,733.28 for luxury items she accepted as gifts during the 2021 Met Gala, including her designer dress and accessories. The committee found she improperly utilized spousal privileges to gain access to a free ticket valued at $250, claiming her partner Riley Roberts was considered a ‘spouse’ at the time, though they were not legally married.

The investigation revealed that Ocasio-Cortez listed Roberts as her spouse on certain documentation, despite legal marriage not being in place, and failed to disclose Roberts’ financial interests in her disclosures. The committee clarified that spousal privileges only apply to legally married couples, and the unapproved use of such privileges led to the repayment order.

The total value of the items she accepted for the Gala was estimated at over $3,700, with the gown alone valued above $18,000. Additionally, a campaign staffer reportedly pressured vendors to reduce the dress’s price from around $1,300 to $300, ultimately paying nearly $990 for it after months of negotiation.

Ocasio-Cortez cooperated with the committee, agreeing to settle the remaining amounts and donating the $250 ticket fee to a related charity. Her chief of staff expressed appreciation for the committee’s findings, emphasizing her efforts to comply with ethical standards.

The report also highlighted that Roberts was not considered a relative under House rules, yet Ocasio-Cortez listed him as her spouse on certain forms, which was a departure from standard practice. She had previously declined to wear the expensive ring given by Roberts, as reported by a news outlet.

In response, the Congresswoman’s office did not immediately comment on the findings.