Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, DN.Y., had more to say on Tuesday defending herself from the reaction to her controversial Met Gala outfit with the words “Tax the Rich,” after saying Monday night that he intended to take the message to a rich space and borrowed the suit because “while the Met is known for his show, we should talk about it.”
The New York congresswoman dominated the talks on the gala on social media, with people calling her a hypocrite for carrying her message of economic justice on the back of a gala dress while attending a charity event at which the elites of New York and Hollywood attended with tickets costing $ 35,000 pop
Republicans on social media wondered why Ocasio-Cortez would attend an event for society’s elite if he wants to pay tribute to the rich.
Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said Tuesday in a tweet that Ocasio-Cortez “wants to tax the rich, but took time out of his busy schedule to work with the New York and Hollywood elites who paid $ 30,000 to attend the #MetGala (and deduct it from your taxes) “.
Larry Elder, the conservative talk show host who is running against Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in the California election, tweeted the headline of an article about Ocasio-Cortez’s suit with the tag “# WeveGotACountryToSave “.
Florida Gov. Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez also took to Twitter Monday night saying, “Only in America where a self-proclaimed Social Democrat can wear a $ 10,000 suit to” tax the rich, “pay $ 30,000 for a ticket and to be praised by a champion for the poor. Champagne socialists like AOC are a long way from reality. “
Ocasio-Cortez responded quickly and explained on social media that elected officials from New York City are often invited to and attending the gala “because of our responsibilities when it comes to overseeing the cultural institutions of the New York City.” our city serving the public. ” of various city politicians present.
Democratic New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Rep. Carolyn Maloney, DN.Y., were also present at the annual event, which was canceled last year due to the coronavirus.
Ocasio-Cortez responded Tuesday to her Instagram story by saying she thought about the criticism she would receive and that her body has been “politically monitored from every corner” since she was elected to Congress.
“But we all had a conversation about Taxing the Rich in front of people who put pressure on it,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote in his Instagram story. “I’m so used to doing the same thing that men do, including the popularly elected progressive men, and getting a completely different response.”
Ocasio-Cortez also noted on her Instagram account that the dress was lent to designer Aurora James, who attended the gala along with the congresswoman.
James is the founder of Brother Vellies, a clothing brand focused on traditional African designs and sustainability, and 15 Percent Pledge, a non-profit organization that challenges major retailers to devote a minimum of 15% of their space to black-owned companies. their respective websites.
In an interview during the live broadcast of the Vogue gala, Ocasio-Cortez and James explained the idea behind the controversial dress.
“We really started talking about what it means to be working class women at the Met and we said,‘ We can’t play, but we have to break the fourth wall and challenge some institutions, ’” Ocasio-Cortez said. “And while the Met is known for their show, we should have a conversation about it.”
Ocasio-Cortez, on Instagram, said: “Now is the time for everyone to take care of children, health care and climate action. Make a tax on the rich.”
On Tuesday morning on CNN, James reiterated that the concept behind the robe was to bring the message of economic justice to a gathering of the rich.
“The Met Gala is obviously one of the most exclusive events in the world and we wanted to come and send a message. And I think when we talk about inclusion and access to closed rooms for people of color, when you finally get a seat in the table will have to decide what message you want to send, ”James said. “I think for the congresswoman, I think for me, economic equality and economic justice are a kind of thinking.”