A Sharp Rebuke of Media Reporting
Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert has publicly addressed allegations claiming she engaged in inappropriate relationships with current and former staff members. In a video posted to X on Sunday, September 20, the 39-year-old congresswoman accused the media of participating in a deliberate smear campaign.
"You all ran a smear campaign and called it news," Boebert stated in the video. She criticized journalists for prioritizing sensationalist headlines over verification, specifically targeting how outlets handled a filing she described as "fake." She argued that the media failed to investigate the validity of the claims or the procedural rules of the House Ethics Committee.
Allegations of Procedural Misconduct
Boebert emphasized that the House Ethics Committee has strict regulations regarding the timing of complaints. "It’s evident that you didn’t even bother to look up House Ethics Committee rules that clearly state that the Committee can’t even accept a complaint filed inside 60 days of an election," she explained. According to the congresswoman, the media's willingness to publish these reports without proper due diligence has unfairly jeopardized the reputations of her staff members.
Prior to the video, a spokesperson for Boebert had already dismissed the accusations as "utterly false," describing the situation as a "politically motivated stunt" intended to generate clickbait and manipulate the ethics process.
Long-Standing Tensions and Personal Impact
In her address, Boebert singled out specific individuals involved in the dissemination of these claims, highlighting a history of conflict between herself and those promoting the narrative. She expressed frustration that the media's actions have extended beyond political discourse, impacting the personal lives of the people who work for her.
"I know that you’re more than willing to attack me and shame my household but this is different and you crossed a line," Boebert noted.
The congresswoman concluded her message by thanking her supporters and reaffirming her commitment to her position, despite what she characterized as desperate attempts by her political opponents to remove her from office.
Context of the Ethics Guidelines
Under the House Code of Official Conduct, members of Congress are prohibited from engaging in intimate or sexual relationships with staff members under their direct supervision. A substantiated complaint of this nature could lead to severe disciplinary consequences. Boebert, who has served as the representative for Colorado’s 4th district since January 2025, maintains that the current accusations are baseless.