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Two women have come forward with testimonies to the House Ethics Committee, alleging that former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida paid them for sex through Venmo transactions. These testimonies, corroborated by attorney Joel Leppard, claim that Gaetz inquired about drugs using code words like "party favors" and "vitamins." The women, whose lawyer provided this information to CBS News, detailed their attendance at parties from 2017 to January 2019, where Gaetz was reportedly present and where sex and drug use allegedly took place.

One woman testified to witnessing Gaetz engage in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl at a party in July 2017. Gaetz, who was a sitting Congressman at the time, has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as a "false smear." He insists he has not committed any wrongdoing, particularly emphasizing that he did not engage in sex with a minor. Despite federal prosecutors investigating these claims, no charges were filed against Gaetz as the probe concluded in 2023.

The House Ethics Committee continues to weigh its report detailing these serious allegations, including claims of sexual misconduct and bribery. Leppard emphasized that his clients were subpoenaed to testify and that their statements were based on firsthand experiences. They wish for the public to understand that their testimonies are truthful and not politically motivated, as they did not vote in the last two elections.

Another woman backed up the account of the then-17-year-old girl, confirming she saw Gaetz having sex with her friend against a gaming table at the 2017 party. Leppard shared that his clients were paid between $200 to $500 via Venmo and PayPal transactions, some of which were arranged by close associates of Gaetz, including Joel Greenberg, who was convicted of sex trafficking of a minor.

Leppard disclosed that his clients provided more than 100 text messages involving Gaetz to the committee, many of which discussed pending payments and the arrangement of drugs for parties. The texts involved code words for drugs and illustrated a complex relationship with Gaetz, blending financial transactions for sex with what appeared to be a form of friendship.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has requested the committee to withhold the report for now. Meanwhile, senators from both parties, who will vote on Gaetz's confirmation as attorney general, have expressed a desire to access the ethics panel's findings. The developments come amid intense scrutiny and controversy, with the public awaiting the committee's decision on releasing the report.