Matt Gaetz ordered to testify about claim he had sex with underage girl, says report

Matt Gaetz has been served with a subpoena to take part in a deposition in a civil lawsuit connected to allegations that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl, ABC News reports.

The subpoena is part of a lawsuit brought by a friend of the Florida Republican representative, targeting the young woman and others.

The subpoena was issued by lawyers representing the young woman who is now in her 20s. The allegations were at the centre of an investigation by the Department of Justice lasting years into the claims that Mr Gaetz had sex with her when she was a minor, according to ABC.

Mr Gaetz’s deposition has been scheduled for 5 April. It’s part of a larger defamation and racketeering lawsuit brought by Chris Dorworth, a friend of Mr Gaetz and a former Florida House member and lobbyist, against the woman and others.

An attorney for the woman, John Clune, told ABC he was able to “confirm that Matt Gaetz has been served for his deposition”.

During the deposition, Mr Gaetz may be asked while under oath about the alleged sexual activity.

A spokesman for Mr Gaetz told The Independent: “Congressman Gaetz received a witness subpoena in an ongoing lawsuit between outside parties. He is not being sued, and he is neither a plaintiff nor a defendant in this matter.”

The allegations initially came to light in March 2021, with Mr Gatez immediately rejecting the claims, saying that the 17-year-old “doesn’t exist” during an appearance on Fox News.

“They’re saying there is a 17-year-old girl who you had a relationship with, is that true? Who is this girl?” then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson asked.

“The person doesn’t exist. I have not had a relationship with a 17-year-old, that is totally false,” Mr Gaetz said at the time.

Court