An invitation to the annual Met Gala of the world-famous New York art museum is both an honor and an obligation. No one dares to walk the red carpet without a spectacular robe on their backs, not even politicians who belong to the spectrum critical of capitalism, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Two years ago, she presented herself in a white dress designed by Brother Vellies – and “Tax the Rich” was emblazoned in red letters on the back – the battle cry of the US left.

Using the gala appearance with this dress for political messages attracted attention then and now again. However, not in a positive sense. Because apparently the designer had completely equipped Ocasio-Cortez, which may have violated the ethics guidelines of the US Congress. The competent commission has now announced that it is investigating the Democrat's MP.

According to the report, the politician received a designer dress, handbag, shoes, jewelry, had her hair and make-up done, and was given a car service and a room. Her partner received a bow tie and shoes in the run-up to the event. The Commission is investigating whether these constitute "improper gifts".

House rules prohibit MPs from accepting gifts in the form of "gratuities, favors, rebates, entertainment, loans and other items of monetary value". Since then, Ocasio-Cortez has paid several thousand dollars for equipment and services, but only after she was contacted by the ethics committee, the report complains.

At NBC News, a spokesman for the deputy denied the allegations and was confident that the matter would not affect her. However, it was admitted that there had been delays "in the payment of costs associated with attending the Met Gala". For Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, these delays are "unacceptable" and she will make sure "that something like this doesn't happen again," according to her office.

The 33-year-old, known as AOC, is one of the most prominent left-wing parties in the US Democrats and has been in the US House of Representatives for the New York Bronx since 2019. She regularly attracts attention with radical demands and actions. Last summer, she was arrested at a pro-abortion demonstration in front of the US Supreme Court. She is also one of the loudest inner-party critics of US President Joe Biden.

Sources: USA Today, Axios, NBC New York