The House Ethics Committee has released a detailed report regarding former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s ethical behavior, presenting evidence that the Florida Republican engaged in drug-filled sex parties. These events allegedly involved women who received payments from Gaetz or an intermediary, including one who was underage.

This report references witness statements, financial documents, and text messages, confirming that Gaetz broke Florida law and House ethical standards during his congressional tenure. It ultimately concluded that Gaetz “acted in a manner that reflects discreditably upon the House.”

Gaetz, a notable supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, had been Trump’s first choice for attorney general but withdrew due to opposition in the Senate. He recently stepped down from Congress.

The former representative has consistently denied the allegations, questioned the Ethics Committee’s credibility, and recently shared posts on X that included excerpts of witness testimony which he claims contradict the committee’s conclusions.

“Is giving money to someone you’re dating, that they didn’t request, and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex really prostitution?!?” he questioned.

Last week, Gaetz asserted that he “often sent funds” to women he was involved with, but insisted, “I NEVER had sexual contact with anyone under 18. Any allegation to the contrary would be dismissed in court — which is precisely why no such claim was brought to court.”

Gaetz has not yet provided a comment when approached by YSL News.

Below are the six primary allegations presented in the report:

Payments for Sexual Services

The Ethics Committee’s findings indicated that Gaetz spent “tens of thousands of dollars” on women “with whom he had an agreement that they would receive payment for sexual acts.” More than six witnesses confirmed this arrangement, with “almost every young woman interviewed stating that she was compensated for sex.”

The payments were either made directly by Gaetz or through a third party, occurring between 2017 and 2020 during his congressional service. The committee termed these interactions as “commercial sex,” which is in violation of Florida’s prostitution laws.

“Representative Gaetz exploited the financial insecurities of young women, enticing them into sexual encounters for which they received, on average, a few hundred dollars after each interaction,” the report detailed.

Engaging with a 17-year-old

The committee uncovered “significant evidence” that Gaetz had sexual relations with a 17-year-old in July 2017 when he was 35. This individual, referred to as Victim A, had just finished her junior year of high school. The legal age of consent in Florida is 18.

The report elaborated that they had sexual encounters at a party, with at least one happening in view of others, and that the young woman “recalled receiving $400 in cash” from Gaetz on that occasion. Additionally, she was reportedly under the influence of ecstasy during the encounter, and it was noted that Gaetz used cocaine at that party.

While it was stated that the woman did not disclose her age to Gaetz and he did not inquire, it was highlighted that he maintained a relationship with her and met her for “commercial sex” again after she turned 18.

Substance Use: Cocaine, Ecstasy, and Marijuana

The report documented “substantial evidence” of Gaetz’s use of cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana, revealing that he even created a fake email account through his congressional office in the Capitol for purchasing marijuana. He denied these claims.

It was pointed out that Gaetz’s then-girlfriend “brought drugs with us” during a trip to the Bahamas. Another source testified that she “brought cocaine to at least one event with Representative Gaetz and witnessed him using cocaine or ecstasy at least five times.”

“Several witnesses reported seeing Representative Gaetz under the influence of drugs,” the report noted. “Additionally, almost all interviewed individuals observed him consuming marijuana.”

Using Congressional Resources for Personal Affairs

The report indicated that Gaetz utilized his congressional office to secure a passport for a woman he had paid for sex. They met in 2018, and that night, after they had relations, she informed him that she needed a new passport.

Gaetz then introduced her to a senior aide who collaborated with a State Department representative to facilitate her passport within days of their initial interaction. The woman was not a resident of Gaetz’s district, and an email from the State Department was obtained by the committee that sought confirmation from Gaetz’s office regarding “an appointment for your constituent.”

It was noted in the report that it was atypical for a senior aide to handle passport requests; such tasks are usually assigned to lower-level staff members. Following this, the woman continued to meet with Gaetz.

Gaetz’s Trip to the Bahamas Breached Gift Regulations

A report indicates that Gaetz breached the House’s regulations concerning unauthorized gifts when he traveled to the Bahamas in September 2018 with two other men and six women. The findings suggest he failed to demonstrate how he financed his travel expenses, apart from a commercial flight he took to reach the destination.

The report highlighted that one of the men in the group covered the costs of the vacation rental for their stay, and that Gaetz flew back to Florida on a private plane accompanied by another man and three of the women.

“While there were no direct payments made to the women related to the Bahamas trip, one woman stated, ‘the trip itself was essentially the payment,’” noted the report.

Interference with the Ethics Committee Investigation

The report also mentioned that Gaetz “actively tried to divert, deter, or mislead the committee in an effort to keep his actions from coming to light,” which may have violated federal criminal laws against providing false information and obstructing Congress.

It asserted that although Gaetz referenced exculpatory evidence, he did not present any, claimed to have “intentionally kept information hidden,” and “refused to voluntarily testify and did not show up when summoned.”

The report pointed to a public letter Gaetz shared on X in September where he stated he would cease voluntarily cooperating with the investigation. This letter was written following his request for more time to answer written inquiries, and the report indicated that he maintained an “uncooperative demeanor throughout the review.”