Madison Cawthorn hits out at media for portraying him as ‘some kind of drag queen’ in new video
Comes amid a slew of stories, including one of him in lingerie
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.US Representative Madison Cawthorn released a new video defending himself after a series of negative stories, saying the media is unfairly attacking the North Carolina freshman.
Particularly, Mr Cawthorn criticised Politico, which published photos of him wearing lingerie during what the congressman described as a scavenger hunt game on a cruise.
“This article is pushing some kind of ludicrous narrative that I’m some sort of drag queen on the side, aside from being a congressman,” he said. “And really, this is just poor journalism, and I’m not surprised. It is Politico after all – not exactly the same journalistic standards as Fox or Newsmax.”
Similarly, Mr Cawthorn hit out against a story published in The Daily Mail showing Mr Cawthorn’s staffer Stephen L Smith putting his hand on the congressman’s crotch. Mr Smith is Mr Cawthorn’s cousin.
“Now, this video is just stupid locker room talk between two cousins, that grew up like brothers taken long before I served in Congress,” he said. He also noted that Mr Smith is his aide on Capitol Hill, which Congress is required to provide under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
He called Mr Smith “family” and said The Mail failed to send the video to his office, despite the fact federal law prohibits public officials from hiring their family members.
Later on Wednesday the freshman congressman released another statement after a super PAC created to oppose his reelection posted video claiming to show him naked and involved in a sexual act.
Mr Cawthorn faces a tough primary challenge on 17 May and he angered multiple Republicans when he said on a podcast that members of Congress invited him to an orgy and do cocaine in front of him.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments