A conservative watchdog group filed an ethics complaint against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday, alleging it violated Congressional rules by attending the high-priced event.
“There are serious questions about whether or not your ticket (donated or purchased with campaign funds) was allowed under the code of ethics of Congress,” the U.S. Accountability Foundation said in a statement. “
“These rules exist for a reason. Without strict adherence, we run the risk of corruption in Congress halls and public officials who serve others on their components. The government has a responsibility to its citizens and integrity and accountability should be our main concern. “
The New York Democrat wore a full-length white dress with “Tax the Rich” with red on the back of the dress, designed by Aurora James.
“When Aurora and I first teamed up, we started talking about what it means to be working class black women at the Met and we said,‘ We can’t play, but we have to break the fourth wall and challenge some of institutions, “Ocasio-Cortez said during an interview with James on the red carpet.
Ocasio-Cortez, however, was quickly criticized on social media to attend the high society event with a luxury designer. The event features Hollywood celebrities and influencers each year and tickets for the event cost $ 35,000, while the tables, which are typically sponsored by companies, range from $ 200,000 to $ 300,000.
The American Accountability Foundation states that their assistance should be an illegal gift, as Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue and the magazine’s company, Conde Nast, chose the attendees and were therefore not a gift of ‘a charity. However, fundraising for the event usually supports Met’s Costume Institute. In 2019, the gala raised $ 15 million, according to the New York Times, for example.
In a statement, the Ocasio-Cortez office said it was not running the rules.
“We are confident that we meet all ethical standards,” his office said.
