News
Gaetz Claims $25 Million ‘Extortion Effort Against My Family’ – Denies Allegations of Sexual Relationship With Teen

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is responding to a New York Times bombshell, insisting the allegations he has been involved in a sexual relationship with a 17-year old are false and claims he is the victim of a $25 million “extortion effort.”
The New York Times Tuesday evening reported that since late last year the U.S. Dept. of Justice has been investigating the Florida Republican congressman, and reports that investigation includes possible sex-trafficking related to paying for her to travel with him.
“The allegations of sexual misconduct against me are false,” Gaetz told Axios, using a term that minimizes the report in the Times of what possible charges he might face. “They are rooted in an extortion effort against my family for $25 million … in exchange for making this case go away.”
Gaetz claims a former DOJ employee is blackmailing him.
“The allegations against me are as searing as they are false,” Gaetz told Axios by phone. “I believe that there are people at the Department of Justice who are trying to criminalize my sexual conduct, you know when I was a single guy.”
Asked what the charges could relate to, Gaetz said: “I have definitely, in my single days, provided for women I’ve dated. You know, I’ve paid for flights, for hotel rooms. I’ve been, you know, generous as a partner. I think someone is trying to make that look criminal when it is not.”
Gaetz is not married but his Twitter bio reads: “Florida man. Fiancé. Firebrand. America First.” He proposed on December 30 “to his girlfriend, 26-year-old Ginger Luckey, the sister of Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey,” a major GOP donor.
He describes himself as father to his former girlfriend’s brother, Nestor Galbán, although they are not related by blood or marriage.
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
![]() |