Far-left Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was formally rebuked by the House Ethics Committee for violating House rules by accepting more than $3,700 in gifts and services tied to her now-infamous 2021 Met Gala appearance, where she wore a gown emblazoned with “Tax The Rich.”
Despite clear findings of misconduct, the committee declined to issue sanctions, instead ordering her to repay outstanding amounts and make a token donation to cover her boyfriend’s meal.
$18,000 Dress, $3,700 in Gifts — Paid Just $990
Ocasio-Cortez — who attended the $35,000-per-ticket event with her then-boyfriend Riley Roberts — accepted thousands in luxury goods and services, including:
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A custom couture Brother Vellies gown valued at over $18,000
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$635 designer shoes, rented for $160
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A $995 handbag, rented for $157
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Rented jewelry, hairstyling, hotel stays, and more
Despite the hefty price tag, AOC paid just $990.76, and only after vendors repeatedly demanded payment, threatened legal action, and the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) launched a review.
“Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s attempt to apply a retail rental cost to a handmade couture gown was unrealistic,” the report stated.
Ethics Committee: “Inconsistent with House Rules”
The bipartisan 10-member Ethics Committee concluded:
“Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s conduct was inconsistent with House Rules, laws, and other standards of conduct with respect to her acceptance of certain goods and services… and her delay in making appropriate payment.”
The committee’s findings also revealed:
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Most vendors weren’t paid until months later, following threats of legal action
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A former campaign manager haggled down invoices
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Staff ignored cost concerns despite AOC’s “limited financial means”
The panel voted unanimously to adopt the report behind closed doors, but said no further discipline was warranted — so long as she:
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Pays Brother Vellies $2,733.28
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Donates $250 for her boyfriend’s meal
Campaign Delay, Vendor Threats
Other examples from the report:
A hairstylist went unpaid for nearly six months, threatening to report AOC’s campaign to the NY Dept. of Labor
One vendor sent a follow-up invoice in May 2022 — nearly nine months after the gala — for car service, hotel stays, and Roberts’ accessories, totaling an additional $5,579
The committee found that costs were routinely ignored, and AOC’s staff believed she didn’t have to pay because “Met Gala attendees don’t normally pay for this.”
AOC’s Office Responds
Chief of Staff Mike Casca issued a statement saying AOC:
“Appreciates the Committee finding that she made efforts to ensure her compliance with House Rules… She accepts the ruling and will remedy the remaining amounts.”
