In June, Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz faced troubling news as the GOP-controlled ethics committee announced its ongoing investigation into him. This scrutiny stems from a 2021 Justice Department inquiry examining whether Gaetz had sexual relations with a minor and transported her across state lines. The committee is specifically investigating allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, accepting improper gifts, granting special favors, and attempting to obstruct government inquiries into his conduct.
Recent developments have intensified the situation. On Friday, court documents revealed affidavits from three eyewitnesses claiming that Gaetz participated in a drug-laden sex party in 2017, which involved “the 17-year-old girl at the center of the alleged sex trafficking scandal.”
According to a court filing from the defendant’s attorneys in a civil lawsuit filed by Chris Dorworth, a lobbyist and Gaetz associate, the minor, who was a high school junior at the time, arrived at the party in her mother’s vehicle. Witness K.M. described in her sworn affidavit that the girl was naked and that attendees were present to “engage in sexual activities,” while various drugs including alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana were available. The teenage girl was referenced only as A.B. in the documents.
Dorworth claimed through a text message that he had never met the 17-year-old and asserted that she is “lying about Matt Gaetz.”
The ethics investigation into Gaetz began under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi but was paused during the Justice Department inquiry. Gaetz has consistently denied all allegations against him. Prosecutors announced in February 2023 their decision not to charge the congressman, prompting the House to resume its investigation. Reports earlier this year indicated that Joel Greenberg, a former ally of Gaetz who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in 2021, is cooperating with the ethics probe. Vanity Fair has sought comments from Gaetz’s office, but he has not publicly responded to the latest revelations.