A House Ethics Committee investigation found Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) acted “inconsistent with House Rules, laws, and other standards of conduct” in relation to her 2021 Met Gala appearance and asked her to pay more than $2,700.

In a report released Friday, the committee determined that there was no evidence Ocasio-Cortez intentionally underpaid for “any goods and services” related to her appearance, for which she famously wore a dress that said, “Tax the Rich.” However, the committee determined that it is “appropriate” for her to compensate for the “fair market value of certain expenses.”

Recommended Stories

• House Republicans announce 'big, beautiful bill' 2.0 working group
• DNC to target online right-wing audiences with new Epstein ad
• House GOP weighs whether to save expanded Obamacare tax credits

“In many instances, the congresswoman relied on the advice of counsel in determining appropriate payment amounts, and most discussions about payment were handled through a campaign staffer,” the committee wrote in its report released Friday. “However, the Committee did find evidence suggesting that the designer may have lowered costs in response to statements from Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s staff, and that payments to vendors were significantly delayed and, in several cases, did not occur until after OCC initiated its investigation.”

The committee said Ocasio-Cortez should make additional payments “of personal funds” to compensate for the underpayment of services worth $2,733.28 that she received in connection with her attendance at the 2021 Met Gala.

“Upon confirmation of the completion of those payments, the Committee will consider this matter closed,” the panel wrote.

AOC WAS WARNED AGAINST ACCEPTING MET GALA INVITE, EMAILS SHOW

The investigation into whether she accepted “impermissible gifts” has been ongoing since 2023, when the Office of Congressional Ethics determined at the time that she did not pay for the dress rental, makeup, accessories, and transportation services until after the watchdog contacted her.

“The Congresswoman appreciates the Committee finding that she made efforts to ensure her compliance with House Rules and sought to act consistently with her ethical requirements as a Member of the House,” Mike Casca, Ocasio-Cortez’s chief of staff, said in a statement provided to the Washington Examiner. “She accepts the ruling and will remedy the remaining amounts, as she’s done at each step in this process.”