Matt Gaetz opened up about his “embarrassing” past after the House Ethics Committee secretly voted to release a report into his alleged sexual misconduct. The former MP defended himself on social media on Wednesday against his offensive but “non-criminal” behavior in his 30s. In the lengthy statement, he vehemently denied allegations that he had had sexual relations with a minor while criticizing the committee’s decision to release a damning report about him.

Matt Gaetz defends his “embarrassing” past and criticizes the House Ethics Committee over false allegations of sexual misconduct

In the statement shared on However, he denied claims that he had sex with a minor as the House Ethics Committee plans to release a report on him. The 42-year-old criticized the Biden/Garland DOJ for “spent years investigating allegations that I committed various crimes.”

READ MORE: Matt Gaetz report released by House Ethics Committee after secret vote: Source

“I was not accused of anything: COMPLETELY EXCLUDED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people who were investigating me hated me,” Gaetz said. “Then the very “witnesses” that the DOJ deemed unreliable were assembled by the House Ethics Committee to repeat their allegations, without cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys. I have never had the opportunity to face any accusers. I was never charged. I’ve never been sued,” he added.

Gaetz went on to criticize the House Ethics Division for its plans to “post online a report that I, as a former member of the panel, cannot discuss or refute.” While he admitted to “often sending money to women I dated,” the former Florida representative denied having “sexual contact with anyone under the age of 18.” “Any claim I have would be destroyed in court – which is why such a claim was never brought in court,” he explained.

Looking back on his past, Gaetz admitted that “my 30s were a time when I worked very hard – and played hard too.” “It’s embarrassing, but not criminal, that I probably did more partying, womanizing, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now,” he continued, concluding with, “But at least I didn’t vote for CRs that are screwing up the whole country!”