Ethics Report Alleges Matt Gaetz Paid for Sex, Including with a Minor

Ethics Report Alleges Matt Gaetz Paid for Sex, Including with a Minor

WASHINGTON – Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, once President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Attorney General, faces serious allegations in a newly released House Ethics Committee report. The report claims that Gaetz paid for sex, including with a then-17-year-old girl, though the Florida Republican denies all accusations of wrongdoing.

The report, made public Monday, includes text messages, financial records, photos, and witness testimony from individuals close to Gaetz. Among the witnesses are a former friend now in prison and an ex-girlfriend, both of whom used a “sugar dating” website that connects older men with younger women, according to the committee.

Gaetz’s Defense and Denial

Gaetz has strongly denied all allegations, stating on social media that he has never engaged in sexual activity with anyone under 18.

“The answer to this question is unequivocally NO,” Gaetz said in a September 4 statement provided to the committee. “You can apply this response to every version of this question, in every forum.”

The Justice Department previously investigated Gaetz in 2020 under then-Attorney General Bill Barr during Trump’s first term. That investigation concluded without any charges against the former congressman.

Details from the Ethics Committee Report

Despite Gaetz’s denials, the Ethics Committee report alleges that Gaetz had sex with multiple women at a July 15, 2017, party in South Florida, including the 17-year-old identified as “Victim A.”

The report claims Gaetz and the minor engaged in sexual activity twice during the event, with at least one encounter allegedly witnessed by other party attendees.

“The record overwhelmingly suggests that Representative Gaetz had sex with multiple women at the party, including the then-17-year-old, for which they were paid,” the report states.

Gaetz’s Past Statements

In response to the allegations, Gaetz has attacked the credibility of the Ethics Committee and its witnesses. He also acknowledged on social media that he frequently gave money to his girlfriends and acquaintances when he was younger but denied that these payments were tied to any illegal activity.

Broader Implications

The Ethics Committee findings paint a troubling picture of Gaetz’s actions, though his legal team maintains that he has not committed any crimes. Advocacy groups and political opponents have called for further investigation, while Gaetz’s supporters argue that the committee’s findings lack sufficient evidence to prove wrongdoing.

As the fallout from the report continues, the allegations threaten to overshadow Gaetz’s political career and raise questions about accountability within Congress.