U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was slammed with yet another ethics violation on Thursday. This happened over her participation at the Met Gala on Monday evening, according to a conservative watchdog group.
Was it a Political Bribe?
The National Legal & Policy Center (NLPC) filed a complaint with the Office of Congress Ethics, alleging Ocasio-Cortez inappropriately obtained seats for herself and her partner from a table sponsorship.
The Post said on Tuesday that AOC, as well as partner Riley Roberts, were invited personally by the Museum of Art. They then cited official rules that enable members to take complimentary tickets to charitable events immediately from organizers of the event.
It is the table financial backer who was giving gifts or underwriting a prestigious seat to AOC at the Gala, the NLPC tried to argue.
AOC: When I Say ‘Tax The Rich,’ I Don’t Mean Me https://t.co/cnW3pSf3uU pic.twitter.com/tW2nKA2DHe
— The Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) September 15, 2021
If the seat which AOC sat is provided for by one of the [attending] companies, such as Facebook or Instagram, AOC has accepted a forbidden gift from a company that is also a lobbyist towards Congress.
Yep – Definitely Bribes
The lawsuit then declared that AOC’s rented white Brother Vellies robe (which had the phrase “Tax The Rich” inscribed in bold letters) was an illegal gift because it was clearly tied to AOC’s ‘role with the House’ as a prominent, public, and contentious member.
AOC would have not been asked to the Gala if she was not such a member, the paper stated. It also said that even if AOC had been allowed as a private individual, the designer would not have produced this particular dress for her to wear on the occasion.
According to the NLPC, the representative may have broken official rules by taking associated gifts prior, at, or after the function. This involves limo rental, use of the Carlyle Resort, hair styling, and cosmetics services, and any other connected services or commodities.
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— Desi Cuellar for Congress (NY-14) (@DesiJCuellar) September 14, 2021
Complaints can be referred to the House Ethics Commission for further investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics. The attendance of Ocasio-Cortez at the Gala (where single tickets cost $35,000 and tables start at $200,000) drew contempt and outrage from all major parties.
The right-leaning American Responsibility Foundation was the first to document an ethics investigation on Tuesday. American Responsibility Foundation claimed while the Met is hosting the event, the Gallery transferred ownership over the guests to a for-profit corporation, particularly Condé Nast, as well as its Chief Content Supervisor, Anna Wintour.
By purchasing a table at the Gala, there are claims Instagram was able to acquire exposure to Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, exposure that is denied to normal individuals.
Furthermore, GOP Rep. Michelle Steel has introduced the Greater Responsibility from Legislators for Americans (or GALA) Act; this would force lawmakers to declare their involvement in charity events with ticket prices over $1,000.
