The House Ethics Committee has concluded its investigation into Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's attendance at the 2021 Met Gala, resulting in fines for the New York Congresswoman. Known for its exclusive guest list and extravagant fashion statements, the Met Gala became a point of contention for Ocasio-Cortez, who made waves with her "Tax the Rich" dress.
The controversy revolves around the House's "Gift" rule, which stipulates that members must disclose and reimburse the full-market value of any gifts received. The Ethics Committee found that Ocasio-Cortez failed to properly report or pay for the dress and related services provided by Brother Vellies, a black-owned fashion brand, and a complimentary ticket for her fiancé, Riley Roberts.
During the high-profile event, Ocasio-Cortez donned a white gown emblazoned with "Tax the Rich," drawing national attention and sparking debate. The Ethics Committee's report highlighted the issue of the delayed and incomplete payments for the outfit, which were only settled after the committee's investigation began.
The report also criticized Ocasio-Cortez's staff for relying too heavily on the designer to assess compliance with ethics rules, potentially creating a conflict of interest due to the brand's financial benefit from the exposure.
It should be noted that the committee did not find any intentional wrongdoing. Instead, they attributed the delay in payments to a campaign staffer's lack of communication with the vendor. In her defense, Ocasio-Cortez expressed regret, stating that she had not been aware of the invoices at the time and would not have allowed the oversight had she known.
To resolve the matter, the Ethics Committee has instructed Ocasio-Cortez to make two additional payments: a $250 donation to the Costume Institute for the cost of her meal and $2,733.28 to Brother Vellies to cover the fair-market value of the dress and accessories. These payments will bring an end to the disciplinary proceedings against her.
The case's conclusion follows a period of intense scrutiny, with figures like former President Donald Trump denouncing Ocasio-Cortez's actions as hypocritical given the elite nature of the event and the message of her gown.
