The House Ethics Committee has issued Its long awaited report with conclusion From the lengthy investigation of former Representative Matt Gaetz regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use and obstruction. can you read full report Below
Gaetz has denied wrongdoing. But the report found “substantial evidence” that Gaetz, Republican of Florida, paid multiple women — including a 17-year-old girl — for sex, and purchased and used illegal drugs.
committee voted silently To release its report on the investigation earlier this month, it reversed course after Republicans on the panel originally objected.
On Monday, Gaetz filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to block the release, saying he is now a private citizen and not subject to the committee's jurisdiction. The committee released its report after some time.
Read Matt Gaetz's full report
Gaetz was first elected in 2016, and most of the allegations documented in the report occurred between 2017 and 2020.
Gaetz resigned from Congress in November, shortly after President-elect Donald Trump Announced plans to nominate Him to the Attorney General. but getz soon Has taken back From deliberations because he faced a contentious confirmation process.
It is highly unusual, but not unprecedented, for the House Ethics Committee to issue a report on a member who is no longer in office.
Two women interviewed by the committee about Gaetz testified that he had paid them directly and repeatedly in Venmo transactions “for sex”, and that those transactions were obtained by the committee, an advocate for women told CBS News last monthThe attorney, Joel LePard, also said that the women testified that Gaetz inquired in text messages about “party favors” and “vitamins” at upcoming parties, which was interpreted as code for drugs.
Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing, including allegations that he had sexual relations with a minor. After the committee voted to release the report, Gaetz posted a statement on x In response, he said that he “probably partied, dealt with women, drank and smoked” more than he should have, but insisted that he did nothing illegal.
He wrote, “In my single days, I often sent money to women I dated – even some I never dated but who asked.” “I dated many of these women for years. I never had sexual contact with anyone under the age of 18. Any claim of mine would be destroyed in a court of law – which is why any such claim would never be heard in a court of law.” Never been done.”
Gaetz married his wife, Ginger Luck Gaetz, in 2021.
Gaetz says he will launching a new show on Trump supporter One America News Network in January.
Michael Kaplan And
Contributed to this report.