Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is under renewed scrutiny after the House Ethics Committee determined she improperly accepted services related to her appearance at the 2021 Met Gala. The panel found that Ocasio-Cortez delayed reimbursing thousands of dollars for her borrowed gown, accessories, hair, makeup, and transportation.
According to the committee’s report, Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign failed to promptly pay invoices from the designer and stylists involved. The final bill, totaling nearly $3,000, was settled only after the ethics probe began. The committee noted that while the violations were “inadvertent,” the delay still constituted a breach of House gift rules.
The event drew national attention because Ocasio-Cortez wore a white gown with “Tax the Rich” emblazoned in bold red letters. Critics argued her attendance at the elite fundraiser conflicted with her populist messaging. The Ethics Committee concluded she did not seek to intentionally violate rules but warned members to avoid even the appearance of impropriety when accepting loans or services.
Ocasio-Cortez’s office released a statement saying all outstanding costs were paid as soon as they were identified. Her team blamed staff turnover and administrative errors for the oversight. While the committee will not recommend further action, the case highlights ongoing concerns over lawmakers accepting high-profile perks that blur ethical lines.
The report follows other controversies involving the Met Gala, including criticism of public officials mingling with celebrities at an event costing more than $30,000 per ticket. The committee’s decision serves as a reminder that even symbolic appearances carry legal and ethical implications for elected officials.
