Sealed testimony from three witnesses in a prominent sex scandal case allegedly claims that Rep. Matt Gaetz was present at a party in 2017 that involved sex, drugs, and a nude, underage girl. Representatives for Gaetz and the attorney for the alleged host of the event have dismissed these claims as baseless.
The allegations came to light after the New York Times reported in March 2021 that Gaetz was under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department for supposedly having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and arranging for her travel. Gaetz has consistently denied these accusations, and the DOJ ultimately decided against filing any criminal charges. Nonetheless, the allegations have continued to shadow Gaetz, leading to an inquiry by the U.S. House Ethics Committee.
Recent federal court filings indicate this is the first instance where sworn testimony has been referenced in public court documents regarding Gaetz’s possible attendance at parties linked to an alleged underage sex scandal. According to a report from a D.C.-based media outlet, testimony from the 17-year-old at the center of the scandal, along with two other women, suggests that Gaetz was at a “sex party” in Lake Mary, Florida, on July 15, 2017.
In response to inquiries regarding his alleged presence at the party or knowledge of any illicit activities, a spokesperson for Gaetz stated that he has never been involved in the reported activities and accused the reporter of bias, noting past predictions made regarding his arrest.
The allegations emerged from depositions and affidavits documented in a lawsuit involving Joel Greenberg’s family and the party’s alleged host, Christopher Dorworth. The former state representative is currently pursuing a defamation lawsuit against A.B. and members of Greenberg’s family, alleging they conspired to falsely accuse him and Gaetz of misconduct.
Andrade, representing Dorworth, argued that the testimony includes disputed facts and evidence that contradicts those claims. He also emphasized the unreliability of the witnesses involved, citing Greenberg’s admission of paying an underage girl for sex and encouraging false testimonies against others.
Court filings have shown both parties accusing each other of bad faith in their claims. A.B.’s testimony was included in a motion from the Greenbergs, aimed at obtaining attorney’s fees and sanctions after Dorworth dismissed his federal suit to pursue a state case. The motion included sealed and heavily redacted exhibits, with attorneys emphasizing the frivolity of Dorworth’s defamation claims.
Following these developments, Andrade criticized the Greenberg motion, arguing that it was improperly filed and included scandalous statements not originally presented in court. The judge’s order noted the case had received numerous filings despite the action being dismissed.
As for Gaetz’s political future, these allegations may not significantly affect his position, as he previously secured heavy support in his primary elections. Currently, he is set to face Democratic candidate Gay Valimont in the upcoming election, who has expressed concern regarding the serious implications of the recent claims. Valimont emphasized the need for accountability and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals in the community.