What to Know
- Rep. George Santos faces a growing number of serious allegations about his past and conduct, and in recent days he has remained largely silent as allegations against him mount.
- But there is one accusation that he categorically denies: being a drag queen.
- The tweet responds to a report by Reuters and other media outlets, citing performers in Brazil alleging that Santos was an active part of that country’s drag community years ago.
NEW YORK — Rep. George Santos faces a growing number of serious allegations about his past and conduct, and in recent days he has remained largely silent as allegations against him mount.
But there is one accusation that he categorically denies: being a drag queen.
“The latest media obsession claiming I am a drag queen or ‘acted’ like a drag queen is categorically false. The media continues to make outrageous claims about my life while working for results. I will not be distracted or be Baffled by this,” Santos tweeted Thursday morning.
The tweet follows a report by Reuters and other media outlets citing performers in Brazil alleging that Santos was an active part of that country’s drag community years ago.
It also raises questions about Santos’ relationship with Vickie Paladino, the right-wing Queens city councilwoman and vehement opponent of the drag community who has been one of Santos’s biggest supporters.
It was the first time in days that the controversial New York congressman has spoken in any way about the claims against him, such as the report who allegedly stole funds intended for a dying service dog from a homeless veteranand contrasts with a series of seemingly more serious allegations about which he has remained silent.
Santos also addressed those dog allegations Thursday morning, also tweeting a denial.
“The reports that I would let a dog die are shocking and insane. My work on behalf of animals was a labor of love and hard work. Over the past 24 hours, I have received photos of dogs that I have helped reduce throughout along with messages of support. These distractions won’t stop me!” he tweeted her. (A couple of hours later, she deleted the tweet and replaced it with a new one to fix the typo from “reduce” to “rescue.”)
In recent weeks, New York Rep. George Santos has admitted to lying about his education, work experience and investments, and is facing a growing list of alleged fabrications and alleged financial misconduct that he has yet to acknowledge or refute.
Santos, who represents the 3rd District of New York, is under investigation by local, state and federal prosecutors, as well as by authorities in Brazil, where he has been charged with fraud.
A study update.
