A House Ethics Committee investigation found that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez violated congressional gift rules by accepting more than $3,700 in goods and services for her appearance at the 2021 Met Gala, including the “Tax the Rich” dress. The committee said she failed to pay vendors in a timely manner and improperly accepted a free ticket for her boyfriend, Riley Roberts. Although the panel determined that her conduct violated House rules and standards, it opted against issuing formal sanctions, saying the matter would be closed once she pays the remaining balances.
According to the report, the fair-market value of the rented dress, accessories, and styling services totaled $3,724.04, but Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign initially paid only $990.76 after months of delays and disputed invoices. Several vendors said they repeatedly attempted to collect payment, with one threatening legal action. The committee placed much of the blame on former staffers, noting efforts to dramatically negotiate down costs and long-unpaid bills, including a $477 hairstyling charge outstanding for nearly six months. The panel said it found no evidence she intentionally underpaid.
To resolve the matter, Ocasio-Cortez must donate $250 to cover her boyfriend’s dinner and pay an additional $2,733.28 to the designer. Her office said she accepts the findings and will remedy all outstanding amounts, adding that she attempted to comply with House rules throughout the process. Under congressional ethics guidelines, members may not accept gifts except in limited cases; in this instance, Ocasio-Cortez was invited by Vogue’s Anna Wintour, not the museum hosting the event, placing her outside permitted exceptions.