House Ethics Report Alleges Gaetz Paid for Sex with Minor, Used Drugs, Tried to Block Release

Dec 23, 2024, 04:08 PM

On December 23, 2024, the House Ethics Committee released a 37-page report detailing allegations against former Representative Matt Gaetz. The report found substantial evidence that Gaetz violated House rules and standards of conduct by allegedly paying tens of thousands of dollars for sex, including allegedly paying $400 to a 17-year-old girl, statutory rape, and illicit drug use—including cocaine and ecstasy—sometimes in his Capitol Hill office. It also cites acceptance of impermissible gifts, provision of special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress. Gaetz had earlier filed a lawsuit seeking a restraining order and temporary injunction to prevent the report's release but was unsuccessful. He has denied any wrongdoing.