Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., violated House ethics rules by improperly accepting gifts related to her high-profile appearance at the 2021 Met Gala, the House Ethics Committee announced Friday. The panel said she must reimburse nearly $3,000 to resolve the matter.
What Happened
The committee’s bipartisan report found Ocasio-Cortez “impermissibly” accepted items connected to her attendance at the exclusive event—including a white “Tax the Rich” dress, accessories, and free admission for her now-fiancé, Riley Roberts.
Although the investigation determined she did not intentionally break House rules, the committee concluded she failed to pay full market value for items she wore to the event and improperly accepted complimentary access for her guest, valued at $35,000.
Key Findings
- Ocasio-Cortez paid just over $990 toward the cost of her attire—covering part of the dress, shoes, handbag, and jewelry—but still owes $2,733 to settle the remainder.
- She must also pay $250 to cover the value of Roberts’ meal at the event.
- The lawmaker coordinated with Met Gala organizers ahead of time to avoid violating House rules, and staff confirmed she was extended a guest ticket.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Response
Her chief of staff, Mike Casca, said in a statement that the congresswoman “accepts the ruling and will remedy the remaining amounts, as she’s done at each step in this process.”
Notable Detail
Designer Brother Vellies initially invoiced Ocasio-Cortez $1,300 for the “Tax the Rich” dress, but a later bill requested only $300. A former campaign aide told investigators that they believed the total cost of the outfit would be around $1,000.
Background
The investigation began in December 2022 following an ethics complaint filed by the American Accountability Foundation. House rules prohibit members from accepting most gifts, including event tickets and fashion items unless certain exceptions apply.
Ocasio-Cortez previously defended her attendance at the Met Gala, saying New York elected officials are often invited due to their oversight of the city’s cultural institutions. In an Instagram post after the event, she noted she had worn “borrowed” items. Ethics experts said that admission likely put her in violation of the House’s strict gift rules.
