In a stunning new development, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is facing serious accusations after two female adults testified to the House Ethics Committee that they were paid for sex by the former congressman. The women, who are both over the age of 18, shared their testimony with the committee, showing a set of Venmo transactions that allegedly show payments made by Gaetz in exchange for sex. Their attorney, Joel Leppard, has confirmed that his clients were asked to explain these payments in detail, with the women consistently stating that the funds were for sexual services.
These claims are part of an ongoing investigation that has shadowed Gaetz for years. The House Ethics Committee, which operates behind closed doors, has been probing Gaetz for allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and other potential criminal behavior. While Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing, this latest testimony adds to a growing list of accusations against him.
In addition to the sexual misconduct allegations, Leppard has also revealed that one of the clients testified about witnessing Gaetz in a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old girl at a house party in 2017. According to Leppard, the woman testified that she saw Gaetz with the minor and believed the relationship ended once Gaetz realized the girl was underage.
The Ethics Committee had been investigating Gaetz for nearly three years, but his resignation from Congress in 2023 halted their inquiry, raising questions about whether the committee will release its report. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has argued that the committee should not publish any findings on a former member, suggesting it would open a “Pandora’s box” of similar cases involving former lawmakers. However, some have called for the report to be made public, especially as Gaetz’s name is being floated for the position of Attorney General in a future Trump administration.
Despite these serious allegations, Gaetz has steadfastly denied any criminal activity, and his spokesperson dismissed the claims as “baseless,” pointing to the Department of Justice’s previous investigation, which ended without charges. As the matter continues to develop, many are questioning whether the public should have access to the findings of the House Ethics Committee—and what the implications might be for Gaetz’s political future.
This controversy raises broader concerns about the accountability of public officials, especially as Republicans weigh the possibility of Gaetz’s return to a prominent role in government. As the Senate considers his potential nomination to the position of Attorney General, these unresolved questions about his conduct may cast a long shadow over his political ambitions. It remains to be seen whether the Ethics Committee will release its report or if the investigation will quietly fade into history.