Gaetz defends Democratic colleague Katie Hill over leaked photo

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) defended his Democratic college Rep. Katie Hill (Calif.) Thursday following the announcement that the House will investigate allegations of an extramarital affair with an office staffer, which Hill has denied.

Gaetz noted that an explicit photo of Hill was leaked without her permission, which she has blamed on her estranged husband.

{mosads}“Who among us would look perfect if every ex leaked every photo/text? Katie isn’t being investigated by Ethics or maligned because she hurt anyone — it is because she is different,” Gaetz tweeted Thursday. Hill identifies as bisexual.

I serve on Armed Services with Katie and while we frequently disagree on substance, she is always well-prepared, focused and thoughtful.

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) October 24, 2019

“I serve on Armed Services [Committee] with Katie and while we frequently disagree on substance, she is always well-prepared, focused and thoughtful,” Gaetz added.

Hill has admitted to an affair with a campaign staffer but denied a relationship with a staffer in her congressional office, which would violate congressional rules.

“The fact is I am going through a divorce from an abusive husband who seems determined to try to humiliate me. I am disgusted that my opponents would seek to exploit such a private matter for political gain,” she told The Hill this week.

Hill added that the Capitol Police are investigating the publication of the photo by the conservative blog RedState. So-called revenge porn is illegal in the District of Columbia.

“I am beyond grateful for the work the Ethics Committee does to ensure transparency in Congress. I welcome this investigation and will be cooperating fully to clear this matter up,” she added.