Former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) dropped his lawsuit to block the release of a House Ethics Committee report detailing significant allegations of misconduct.
The report, released Monday, alleges illegal actions, including paying a minor for sex, drug use, and obstruction of an investigation, The Hill reported.
On the same day the report was published, Gaetz withdrew a federal lawsuit challenging its release. The former congressman’s legal team argued that the committee lacked jurisdiction due to his resignation from Congress. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta dismissed the case, citing mootness after the report became public.
The report, which concluded a lengthy investigation, outlined serious allegations against Gaetz. It found evidence suggesting he paid a 17-year-old for sex while he was 35 years old. The findings also alleged that Gaetz used illegal drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy.
Further accusations included obstruction of the committee’s investigation into his conduct. Despite the release, Gaetz denied engaging in any criminal behavior. He has, however, admitted to what he described as “embarrassing” behavior in the past.
Gaetz’s attorney, Jonathan Gross, issued sharp criticism of the committee’s actions. He stated:
Due to the Defendant’s unprecedented and procedurally defective decision to publicize the Report that was the subject of Plaintiff’s Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order without notice to Plaintiff and while Defendants knew or reasonably should have known of this pending action, Plaintiff has now suffered irreversible and irreparable harm.
The lawsuit sought to block the report’s release on the grounds of procedural violations. Gross argued that the report’s publication effectively ended the need for judicial intervention. The judge agreed, stating that the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction to grant further relief.
Judge Amit Mehta noted in his ruling that the case had become moot following the report’s public release. Gaetz’s legal team concurred with this assessment, and the court officially closed the matter. The conclusion of this case marked the end of Gaetz’s legal battle over the report.
The House Ethics Committee’s investigation has drawn significant public and media attention. It represents one of the most high-profile cases to emerge from congressional oversight in recent years.
In the days leading up to the report’s publication, Gaetz addressed some aspects of his past behavior. While denying criminal allegations, he described his actions as embarrassing. This statement marked a rare public acknowledgment of any personal wrongdoing.
Despite these remarks, Gaetz’s denials have remained firm regarding the specific allegations in the report. The former congressman has consistently maintained that he has not engaged in illegal activities.
The release of the report concludes a chapter in a case that has lingered since the investigation began. While the allegations remain contested, the findings present a detailed account of the committee’s investigation into Gaetz’s conduct.
The allegations against Gaetz, the conclusions of the Ethics Committee, and the lawsuit’s dismissal illustrate the complexity of the case. These developments provide insight into the challenges of congressional oversight and accountability.
