The complaint argued that the report’s potential release would irreparably damage Rep. Matt Gaetz’s reputation, citing concerns over matters of sexual propriety and alleged moral turpitude. It stated that this harm could not be adequately remedied through monetary compensation.
The court challenge was initiated in the morning, with the clerk’s office promptly notifying Gaetz’s legal team of errors in the complaint that required correction before further action could proceed. Subsequently, following the report’s release by the committee, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta questioned Gaetz on why his lawsuit should not be dismissed as moot, setting a deadline for a response by 5 p.m. ET.
Gaetz’s attorneys acknowledged that the lawsuit should be dismissed, asserting that the damage had already been inflicted. They argued that the public dissemination of the report without prior notice to Gaetz, while the legal action was pending, had caused irreversible harm to their client.
Last week, NBC News reported that the House Ethics Committee had voted to make public a report detailing its investigation into allegations against Gaetz. The inquiry, conducted over several years, examined accusations of sexual misconduct, drug use, acceptance of improper gifts, bestowing favors on individuals with whom Gaetz had personal relationships, and obstruction of the House’s investigative proceedings.
Gaetz has consistently denied engaging in any criminal activities. In a recent statement, he admitted to financially supporting women he dated during his single days but emphasized that he never had intimate relations with anyone under the age of 18. Gaetz acknowledged past behaviors of excessive partying, womanizing, drinking, and smoking, characterizing it as embarrassing but not criminal. He asserted that his current lifestyle reflects a significant departure from his earlier conduct.
While the Department of Justice investigated Gaetz for alleged sex trafficking, no charges were ultimately brought against him. Previous concerns regarding the allegations led Gaetz to withdraw from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general. He subsequently resigned from his congressional position after being selected by Trump.
Gaetz has contended that it is not customary for the ethics committee to disclose reports concerning former members. However, historical instances exist where reports on ex-members were released shortly after their resignations. For instance, reports on Bill Boner, D-Tenn., and Buz Lukens, R-Ohio, were made public following their respective resignations from the House in 1987 and 1990.
