Republican Representative Matt Gaetz took to the House floor Monday to speak about the importance of holding sex offenders accountable for their crimes. Let that sink in for a second.
Gaetz, of course, is currently at the center of an investigation into child sex trafficking, bribery and obstruction of justice.
But that didn’t stop him from being one of the few Republicans to support a bill that would end mandatory arbitration for workplace sexual harassment cases.
“Here is the question presented: Should sexual harassers who work for big businesses get to pick their juries in advance?” Gaetz said. “I believe that the populist, nationalist right approach is to believe that the Article 3 courts, that we have set up for any and all, function as the proper venue. But for tens of millions of American workers, that courthouse door is locked!”
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He added that corporations’ advantage in arbitration hearings “shouldn’t be a reason that someone is more likely to have to endure sexual harassment in the workplace, or more likely, to evade consequence as a result of predatory behavior.”
Earlier this year, Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend testified before a federal grand jury, leading many to believe the Department of Justice is getting close to indicting him.
Multiple sources claim Gaetz’s ex tagged along with him and his alleged 17-year-old lover on a trip to the Bahamas in 2018. CBS News also reports that investigators are looking into whether the embattled lawmaker obstructed justice when he had a secret phone call with the ex and another woman.
In January, Florida radio host “Big Joe” Ellicott issued a guilty plea to “pay bribes and kickbacks,” and also to illegally selling Adderall. His plea deal requires him to cooperate with other ongoing investigations in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Ellicott is a close friend of Joel Greenberg, Gaetz’s former “wingman” who is also cooperating in the investigation.
Ellicott is reported to know key details that could corroborate Greenberg’s version of events.
Greenberg pleaded guilty to federal crimes including sex trafficking of a minor, identity theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy last May. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to provide “substantial assistance” to investigators in their case against Gaetz.
Gaetz continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Here’s how his speech played out on Twitter:
— Futures trader (@Futures27479888) February 8, 2022
This is gaslighting.
— Laddie McTavich (@wiresink) February 8, 2022
Gaetz is trying to improve his image. I don’t think it will work.
— Sense Common (@common5_sense) February 8, 2022
Projection
— Pass Voting Rights🇺🇸 (@quanahjoan) February 8, 2022
Hopefully he will be the one to realize “more consequences“ before long!
— Ann (@Ann30630637) February 8, 2022
A guilty conscience often accuses. Matt Gaetz needs to be brought up on charges.
— John Schmick (@john_schmick) February 8, 2022
A portion of his community service sentence not yet announced on his plea????
— JonSimon (@AquisitionGuy) February 8, 2022
Does he think we’ve forgotten already? Is he trying to score points like he isn’t under investigation for having it off with a minor? There SHOULD be more consequences, Matty and you’ll find out soon enough, eh?
— Alien Cat Tweets (@AlienCatTweets) February 8, 2022
Cam
Will the RNC get mad at him? I thought part of the requirement to BE a Republican now was to be a child sexual predator.
Creamsicle
Is he dying? What’s with his complexion? He looks sickly pale. I guess those federal investigations are pretty stressful.
Old Flint
I am starting to worry. I cant believe the investigation into this dirtbags crimes is taking so long. Many years ago, when the world was young I was involved in sex crimes investigations. Never heard of a case taking half this much time
It is one of those things where you either did it or you didnt. Not usually any nuance when dealing with sex with a minor. Doesnt really matter if you knew or didnt know the victim was underage either. I admit, the thought of Gaetz having sex at all might be sending the investigstors to the bathroom to vomit frequently
barryaksarben
Indeed why is this taking so long. If he didnt have a rich white dad and it wasnt being investigated by a national law enforcement agency whose whole purpose is to protect rich white guys it might go faster. 65 years of affirmative action and the CIA, FBI. SS and the rest are all still 90% entitled straight white guys. They have all broken the law but it just must be under investigation right?>
JRamonMc
The disappointment is real when it comes to all these open investigations into corruption, sexual misconduct and insurrection of the Trump’s, Gaetz, Jordan, Greene, Cruz and a plethora or other GOP enablers. I will be shocked if any one of these deplorables see the inside of a booking room.
JeffBaker
I’m voting Gaetz as “most likely to end up haunting a house while not wearing his pants…”
HMFan
I’m not sure “Ghost Hunters” is ready for that…
Jaquelope
He’s just trying to throw everyone off his scent, because he evidently believes that by taking this stance, he’ll be safe. The wheels of justice do often move slowly, but many get crushed beneath them, just the same.
HMFan
I guess he’s trying to “polish his image” before the axe falls? A bit “too little, too late” if you ask me. Hopefully Madame Karma will see to it that he’ll be in a near-fatal accident rendering everything below his waist inoperable, like Madison Cawthorn.