Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing ethics scrutiny—and a bill of more than $2,700—after the House Ethics Committee found she violated congressional gift rules stemming from her appearance at the 2021 MET Gala.
The investigation determined that Ocasio-Cortez failed to pay full market value for accessories provided by Brother Vellies, a Black-owned, women-led fashion brand, whose pieces she wore to the high-profile event. She also accepted free admission to the gala for her fiancé, Riley Roberts, which the House Gift Rule prohibits without reimbursement.
Tickets to the annual MET Gala cost at least $30,000, according to the Associated Press. It remains unclear whether the congresswoman paid for her own ticket.
Ocasio-Cortez turned heads at the 2021 gala in a white dress emblazoned with the phrase “Tax the Rich,” but the committee’s report—released Friday—suggests the bill for that statement outfit was never fully settled.
Ethics Panel: Staff Delays and Vendor Discounts Played a Role
Though the committee acknowledged Ocasio-Cortez “proactively took steps” to comply with the rules, it concluded her efforts fell short. Payments for several services and items were significantly delayed, with some not completed until after the ethics investigation had begun.
The report also cited communications between AOC’s team and designer Brother Vellies suggesting the brand may have reduced its charges due to its association with the congresswoman. Staff reportedly relied on vendors to ensure compliance—despite vendors having a clear incentive to absorb costs in exchange for high-profile exposure.
Ocasio-Cortez told investigators in March 2023 that she was unaware of the outstanding invoices. “I just never, ever, ever would have allowed that to happen, knowing what I have learned,” she said. “But I wasn’t privy to the invoices… wasn’t privy to the ones that had been sent.”
No Sanctions—If She Pays Up
Although the panel found the violations were not intentional, it recommended that Ocasio-Cortez personally cover the remaining balance. Specifically, she must pay $2,733.28 to Brother Vellies for accessories and donate $250 to the Costume Institute to cover the value of Roberts’ meal.
If the committee receives proof the payments have been made, it said it will consider the matter resolved and impose no formal penalties.
The ethics findings come as Ocasio-Cortez continues to be a high-profile figure within the Democratic Party, often stirring both admiration and criticism with her bold public stances and media presence.
