Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D–NY), one of the most high-profile and polarizing figures in Congress, has come under formal rebuke from the U.S. House Ethics Committee this week over the misclassification of her longtime partner, Riley Roberts, as her “spouse” in connection with official events — including his acceptance of a $35,000 ticket to the 2021 Met Gala.
In a report released Tuesday, the bipartisan Ethics Committee determined that Ocasio-Cortez violated House gift rules when she accepted a complimentary ticket for Roberts, despite the couple not being legally married. While the Congresswoman has often referred to Roberts as her partner and they became engaged in 2022, there is no official documentation of a marriage. House rules clearly state that complimentary tickets to high-profile events such as the Met Gala may be extended to legal spouses only.
The Met Gala Controversy Resurfaces
The 2021 Met Gala already stirred significant controversy for Ocasio-Cortez when she appeared wearing a custom white gown emblazoned with the slogan “Tax the Rich” — a move that drew both praise and intense backlash across the political spectrum. The ethics question surrounding her attendance and that of her partner now reopens scrutiny over whether her presence at the star-studded fundraiser was appropriate under House ethics guidelines.
The ticket for Riley Roberts — valued at approximately $35,000 — was reportedly accepted by the Congresswoman under the assumption that he could be classified as a “spouse” based on their long-term relationship and cohabitation.
However, the Ethics Committee was clear in its ruling: House rules do not grant exceptions for fiancés or long-term partners, regardless of shared residency or relationship duration. Acceptance of such a gift is permitted solely for a legal spouse under official congressional guidelines.
Legal Representation and Defense
In a letter submitted to the committee on May 16, 2025, Ocasio-Cortez’s legal counsel, David Mitrani, argued that Roberts was considered a “spouse” under federal campaign finance law. Mitrani pointed to instances in which Roberts was granted access to congressional facilities via a “spouse pin,” and participated in official travel, which are typically privileges reserved for legal spouses.
“Mr. Roberts has been treated as a spouse for purposes of security access and travel,” Mitrani wrote. “The intent was never to mislead or to gain personal benefit, but to maintain consistency with the ways in which other agencies treat domestic partners.”
Nevertheless, the committee found that these internal practices did not supersede the explicit definition of “spouse” as it pertains to House gift rules. As a result, the Committee ordered Ocasio-Cortez to reimburse the full value of the Met Gala ticket gifted to Roberts.
Ethics Committee Statement
In its statement, the Ethics Committee acknowledged Ocasio-Cortez’s cooperation throughout the investigation and accepted her counsel’s assertion that there was no deliberate attempt to deceive. However, the Committee emphasized that even unintentional violations erode public trust.
“While we found no evidence of willful misconduct, it is the responsibility of every Member of Congress to understand and adhere to the rules that govern the acceptance of gifts,” the report stated. “Representative Ocasio-Cortez is hereby directed to repay the $35,000 value of the ticket in question and to ensure future compliance with House guidelines.”
A Pattern of Public Scrutiny
This is not the first time AOC has faced ethics scrutiny. Her attendance at the Met Gala has previously drawn complaints from conservative watchdog groups and political opponents, who have accused her of hypocrisy for participating in an elite event while championing economic justice.
Ocasio-Cortez has consistently maintained that she attended the Met Gala as part of her congressional responsibilities and that she did not personally benefit from the event. In a previous statement, she noted that elected officials are often invited to the gala as part of outreach by New York’s arts and fashion community — and that her dress was meant to provoke conversation.
Still, the latest ethics rebuke adds fuel to long-standing criticisms from those who see her as bending rules for political theater. On social media, opponents seized on the report as evidence of ethical lapses, while supporters defended her actions as a good-faith mistake stemming from unclear guidelines around non-married partners.
Broader Implications
The incident has sparked a renewed debate in Congress and among political observers about how to modernize ethics guidelines to reflect evolving social norms, particularly as more lawmakers openly identify with non-traditional relationships or long-term partnerships outside of marriage.
Some legal scholars have suggested that the rigid “spouse-only” rule may be outdated and fail to recognize the reality of many Americans’ domestic arrangements. Others counter that exceptions would only further complicate enforcement and could open loopholes for abuse.
For now, however, the rules remain clear, and the Ethics Committee’s ruling serves as a reminder that even one of the most recognizable figures in Congress is not above them.
Conclusion
As Ocasio-Cortez moves forward, this incident may serve as a cautionary tale for members of Congress navigating the gray zones between personal life and official duties. Whether it will have a lasting impact on her political standing remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: in the halls of Congress, appearances — and rules — still matter.
