Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has resolved a long-running House Ethics Committee inquiry into her 2021 Met Gala appearance by agreeing to repay nearly $3,000 in benefits tied to the event.
According to the committee, Ocasio-Cortez improperly accepted a free $250 meal invitation for her then-boyfriend Riley Roberts—whom she listed as her “spouse” despite not being legally married—failing to meet the eligibility rules for gift exceptions. Roberts’ attendance triggered a rule violation because the benefits were restricted to legally recognized spouses.
The review concluded that she and her team also underpaid for her “Tax the Rich” gown and accessories, receiving over $3,700 worth of items while only covering about $1,000 at the time. The panel has now required her to submit an additional $2,733.28 to cover fair market value and to contribute $250 to the Costume Institute in lieu of the free meal.
Investigators found no indication that Ocasio-Cortez acted with intent to break rules—citing delayed payments and billing disagreements as contributing factors. The case will be closed once she completes the reimbursement, and no further disciplinary action is planned.