Many on the left cheered Democratic Socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York for wearing a dress with the words “Tax the Rich” to the Met Gala, but she is now facing a House ethics probe over her participation.
On Tuesday, the congressional panel stated that it was looking into the incident that occurred on Sept. 12, 2021.
Two complaints were made with the Department of Congressional Ethics against Ocasio-Cortez for her attendance, particularly the cost of her and her partner’s tickets.
The American Accountability Institute wrote to the office, stating that tickets to the opulent event were reportedly priced between $35,000 and $50,000.
“If Rep. Ocasio-Cortez paid for this ticket with campaign funds, she has also breached FEC restrictions on campaign money being utilized for entertainment purposes,” the group noted.
Her office issued a statement regarding the ethics investigation.
“The Congresswoman has always regarded ethics very seriously, turning down donations from lobbyists, businesses, as well as other special interests. We believe that this case will be dismissed.”
Ocasio-Cortez was mocked for wearing clothing with an anti-wealth message to an elite and lavish gathering attended only by the wealthy and powerful. She countered by accusing her critics of being racist and sexist.
“I considered the criticism,” she wrote at the time, “but truthfully, I and my body have been so extensively and mercilessly policed from all sides politically since the minute I won my election that it is really kind of become anticipated and ordinary to me.”
“The irony is that when women in positions of authority fear criticism and respond cautiously, they are chastised for being ‘inauthentic’ and ‘too calculating.’ Haters eventually hated, and thoughtful people were thoughtful,” she reached a conclusion.
