Lauren Boebert has faced a fresh wave of online scrutiny after a House ethics complaint accused the Republican congresswoman of having sexual relationships with three current or former staffers, two of whom are women.
Boebert has denied the allegations, calling them 'utterly false', while one of the women named in the complaint has also rejected the claims. The controversy has nevertheless prompted renewed discussion online about Boebert's views on LGBTQ+ issues, with one Reddit video using the phrase 'she's in a closet made of glass' while discussing the allegations.
Alleged Sexual Affairs
The controversy stems from a sworn complaint filed with the House Committee on Ethics on 17 September by David Wheeler, an activist and journalist associated with American Muckrakers. The complaint alleges that Boebert had sexual relationships with three staff members: Clarice Navarro, Raven Finegan and Jeffrey Small.
According to the filing, two of the alleged relationships involved female staffers. It also alleges that Boebert arranged a $200,000 payment to one former staffer in connection with an attempt to prevent an ethics complaint. No verified evidence has been found that Boebert identifies as bisexual, lesbian or queer, and the allegations themselves remain unproven.
'Politically Motivated Stunt'
Boebert's office has rejected the claims. Her spokesperson described the filing as a 'politically motivated stunt' intended to create headlines and damage the congresswoman's reputation. Boebert subsequently criticised members of the press for reporting on the allegations in a video posted online.
'You all ran a smear and called it news,' Boebert said, according to Axios, accusing journalists of falling for what she described as a 'scam'.
Navarro previously worked as Boebert's district director, and the former staff member has also denied the allegation concerning her. The Guardian reported that Navarro described the claim as defamatory.
The ethics complaint has attracted attention because House rules prohibit members from engaging in sexual relationships with employees they supervise. However, the existence of the complaint does not establish that the alleged relationships occurred.
Discussion of Sexual Allegations
The allegations have since fuelled a lively discussion on Reddit, where users have focused on the inclusion of two female staffers. Some comments have speculated about Boebert's sexuality, while others have treated the allegations as evidence of hypocrisy because of her political positions.
Axios reported that payroll and campaign records included in Wheeler's filing document certain payments, but those records do not prove that sexual relationships occurred or that any payment was improper. The outlet also said it had not reviewed materials Wheeler claimed would support one of the allegations.
Boebert continues to deny the accusations, while the House Ethics Committee has not announced a formal investigation. The dispute remains an unproven complaint, competing claims about its credibility and the political fallout surrounding it.
