Florida congressman Matt Gaetz appeared on Fox Information for the primary time in precisely a yr on Wednesday night time to debate the intercourse trafficking allegations towards him with Tucker Carlson.
On March 30, 2021, The New York Occasions first reported that Gaetz was beneath investigation over allegations he was having intercourse with a 17-year-old and paid her to journey with him, together with over state traces.
Later that night, Gaetz appeared on Carlson's present to dispute the allegations, which he mentioned have been a a part of a wider plot to distort him and his household.
Throughout the interview, Gaetz additionally instructed a narrative about when he introduced a good friend to dinner he had with Carlson and his spouse, the place his good friend claimed she was "threatened" by the FBI to say the congressman was concerned in a so-called pay-for-play scheme.
In reply, Carlson mentioned he didn't recall what Gaetz was speaking about, earlier than telling viewers that the congressman's look was "one of many weirdest interviews I've ever performed."
Gaetz didn't seem on Fox Information for the subsequent yr, however returned to the community Wednesday night time to as soon as once more deny the allegations towards him—for which he has not been charged.
Whereas introducing Gaetz, Carlson famous that it had been precisely twelve months since Gaetz final appeared on Fox Information, and once more described his earlier interview as "one of many weirdest" he has ever finished.
Carlson then requested Gaetz whether or not he expects to be charged in connection to the allegations towards him.
"No, this was an operation to destroy me, to hurt my household, and to hinder my means to serve the district and the motion that I symbolize in Congress," Gaetz mentioned.
Gaetz mentioned the "most necessary factor that is occurred since our final on-air dialogue" was that Florida businessman Stephen Alford pleaded responsible to trying to extort cash from the congressman's father in November 2021.
"I am harmless. I've maintained my innocence. I've been completely constant on this truth. And each day the lies about me unravel and are debunked."
In June 2021, The Day by day Beast reported that Gaetz had been placed on a casual blacklist at Fox Information whereas the intercourse trafficking investigation into him continued.
CNN additionally beforehand reported that Carlson was indignant at Gaetz for the feedback he made through the interview final March, throughout which the congressman additionally introduced up a long time previous false rape allegations geared toward Carlson.
"You and I went to dinner about two years in the past, your spouse was there. I introduced a good friend of mine," Gaetz instructed Carlson on March 30, 2021.
"You will bear in mind her and she or he was really threatened by the FBI, instructed that if she would not cop to the truth that by some means I used to be concerned in some pay-for-play scheme that she may face bother.
"So, I do consider that there are folks on the Division of Justice who're making an attempt to smear me. Offering flights and resort rooms for folks that you're courting who're of authorized age will not be a criminal offense."
Carlson responded by saying: "I do not bear in mind the girl you're talking of or the context in any respect, actually."
Gaetz has been contacted for additional remark.
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