Two women have filed a lawsuit against former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, claiming they were sexually exploited by him and others, which they say violates a federal anti-trafficking law. This legal action, taken in a federal court in Orlando, comes almost two years after a House Ethics Committee report accused Gaetz of paying for sex, including an incident involving a 17-year-old girl, and using illegal drugs while serving in Congress.
The lawsuit reveals troubling allegations about Gaetz’s behavior during his time in office. The committee’s findings were serious enough to derail his nomination for attorney general under President Donald Trump’s administration. Although Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and left office before the report was published, the claims have continued to haunt him.
The women, who were in their early 20s in 2017, met Gaetz through Joel Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector currently serving time in prison for various crimes, including a sex crime. According to the lawsuit, Gaetz allegedly provided drugs and financial compensation for sex, as well as covering costs for out-of-state travel and lodging.
In response to the lawsuit, Gaetz expressed his belief that much of the conduct alleged is untrue. He mentioned, “The lawsuit relies almost exclusively on a Congressional Committee report that didn’t allow me to confront my accusers. Now I will finally have that chance.” Gaetz also made light of the situation on social media, mocking the women and their claims.
The lawsuit also targets Greenberg and another individual, along with businesses associated with Greenberg’s family. The attorney representing the two women, Spencer Kuvin, stated, “Every part of this venture ran on an exploitative power imbalance.” He emphasized the stark contrast between the powerful men involved and the young women who were financially vulnerable.
Currently, Gaetz hosts a political talk show on One America News Network and was recently appointed to the board of Triumph Gulf Coast, which manages funds for recovery from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The developments in this case highlight ongoing issues related to power dynamics and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
