Rep. Lauren Boebert Responds to Allegations of Staff Relationships

<p>Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) released a video on Sunday evening addressing reports regarding allegations of her having sexual relationships with staffers, which she described as false. In the video, which has garnered over 4.6 million views on X, Boebert criticized journalists for reporting on what she termed bogus claims.</p><p>Boebert stated that the allegations, which claim she had relationships with three staffers, are entirely untrue and accused the media of treating the claims as credible. She also mentioned that the filing in question does not meet the criteria for a House Ethics complaint, and the committee has not announced any investigation.</p><p>“Hey, journalists … I have a few words for you. You all ran a smear and called it news,” she said in the video. She further criticized the way the allegations were presented, stating, “Some sloppy, desperate, obsessive hack stamps ‘under oath’ on a fake filing, so you’ll write ‘penalty of perjury’ in the headline.”</p><p>Boebert emphasized that no member of Congress had certified that the allegations were made in good faith, as required by House Ethics rules, and highlighted that complaints cannot be filed within 60 days of an election.</p><p>A sworn ethics complaint has been filed against Boebert, accusing her of having sexual relationships with three congressional aides, which would violate House rules if proven true. The complaint was submitted by David Wheeler, head of American Muckrakers, a political action committee that has targeted Boebert previously. The complaint includes allegations involving Clarice Navarro Ratzlaff, Raven Finegan, and Jeffrey Small, who have all held positions in Boebert's office.</p><p>On Saturday, Boebert denied the claims in a statement to a reporter, asserting, “Well, I’m not a lesbian or bisexual, and I have never, ever been in any inappropriate relationship, nor have I ever been sexually involved with any staff.”</p><p>In her video, Boebert referred to the reports as “filthy garbage” that affects not only her but also her staff and their families. She expressed concern about the impact of such allegations on her staff, stating, “I know that you’re more than willing to attack me and shame my household, but this is different, and you crossed a line.”</p><p>Boebert concluded her message by urging journalists to consider the consequences of their reporting on her staff and their families, and reiterated her commitment to serving Colorado’s 4th District. She ended with a remark about not hiring anyone at the moment.</p>