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By Monica Sager
Live News Reporter
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What's New
Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz has released a statement on social media reiterating his innocence after a report Wednesday that the House Ethics Committee had voted to release its investigation into the former congressman.
"I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me," Gaetz's post said in part. "Then, the very "witnesses" DOJ deemed not-credible were assembled by House Ethics to repeat their claims absent any cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys. I've had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I've never been charged. I've never been sued."
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According to CNN, the House Ethics Committee voted privately to release its report on the investigation into Gaetz over sexual misconduct allegations. In a reversal, the report is now expected to be released within days.
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Why It Matters
The probe stems from accusations that Gaetz was involved in recruiting women online for sex, including a 17-year-old girl. The Department of Justice (DOJ) last year told Gaetz that he would not face federal sex-trafficking charges.
The House Ethics Committee previously met and had voted at the time last month against releasing the report on Gaetz.
"Instead, House Ethics will reportedly post a report online that I have no opportunity to debate or rebut as a former member of the body," Gaetz said in his post. "In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated - even some I never dated but who asked. I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court - which is why no such claim was ever made in court.
"My 30's were an era of working very hard - and playing hard too.
"It's embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.
"But at least I didn't vote for CR's that f*** over the country!"
What To Know
Two other women had accused Gaetz of paying them for sex. Their attorney, Joel Leppard, told Newsweek previously that his clients were paid a total of $10,000 over Venmo and Paypal. Leppard said his clients had not wanted to publicly testify against Gaetz.
Gaetz has vehemently denied that he did anything improper and blames the accusations on a smear campaign. He posted to X that the allegations began under former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
In February 2023, the DOJ informed Gaetz that he would not face federal sex-trafficking charges over allegations that he was involved in recruiting women online for sex.
Along with investigating Gaetz for sexual misconduct, the committee is looking into allegations of illicit drug use, sharing inappropriate images on the House floor, misusing state identification records, converting campaign funds to personal use and accepting a bribe or impermissible gift.
At the end of November, Gaetz withdrew his nomination from President-elect Donald Trump to become the U.S. Attorney General.
Gaetz said at the time that he will be withdrawing his name from consideration because it is "clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition."
What is Matt Gaetz's New PAC?
Gaetz's new PAC, the Florida Firebrand PAC, was launched this week in order to lead "the charge against the corrupt swamp and the Uniparty by exposing the truth."
"The fight continues for the future of our country and Florida. It is America First. Always," the PAC's website reads.
The PAC lists out issues of defending Florida, securing America's future, border security, election integrity, congressional stock trading, and defeating the woke mob.
The Florida Republican also hosts a podcast called Firebrand with Matt Gaetz.
Last week, Ginger Gaetz, the wife of the former Congressman,hinted at an announcement of future plans by her husband in a cryptic post on social media.
On Sunday, she wrote on X "Big news coming next week," alongside a picture of her former Republican representative husband.
Gaetz's political future has been unclear since he withdrew his attorney general nomination.
What People Are Saying
Republican Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett, on CNN: "The public has the right to know all of the other investigations they've done. This is just an investigation. It's not a court of law. It's in the past. You get one side of this thing. If they want to release it, release all of them. I think if it's good for the goose it's good for the gander."
Republican Kentucky Representative James Comer, on CNN: "I don't know what's in the report. It's not entirely unprecedented for them to release a report on a former member...Gaetz is going to have an opportunity to defend this."
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, on X: "If Congress is going to release one ethics report, they should release them all. I want to see the Epstein list. I want to see the details of the slush fund for sexual misconduct by members of Congress and Senators. I want to see it all."
What Happens Next
The report is expected to be released before the end of the current Congress, which is scheduled to conclude on Jan. 3.
Update: 12/18/24, 4:33 p.m.: This article has been updated with more information.
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