Last Updated on 1 month by Ashley Michael
A New York Democratic representative must pay thousands of dollars after the House Ethics Committee found she violated gift rules at the 2021 Met Gala.
The committee released a report Friday showing the congresswoman failed to pay full market value for designer accessories. She also accepted free admission for her partner at the fashion event.
Investigators found multiple vendors went unpaid for months. Several payments only occurred after the ethics investigation began.
The congresswoman wore items from a Black-owned accessories company called Brother Vellies. Evidence showed the designer may have lowered costs after speaking with congressional staff.
The committee ordered payment of $2,733.28 to Brother Vellies for the accessories. The representative must also donate $250 to the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute for her partner’s meal.
Met Gala tickets cost at least $30,000 each. The annual event raises money for the museum’s fashion collection.
The ethics panel found congressional staff relied too heavily on vendors to follow gift rules. This created conflicts since vendors wanted to work with the high-profile politician.
The congresswoman blamed her staff for the payment delays. She told investigators she didn’t know about the unpaid invoices.
During her Met Gala appearance, the representative wore a white dress with “Tax the Rich” written in red letters. The outfit gained widespread media attention.
The committee found no evidence of intentional violations. No sanctions will be imposed if the required payments are made.
Once the congresswoman completes the payments, the ethics committee will close the case. The matter has been under investigation since 2021.