Amid swirling rumors, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has clarified she is not pregnant, attributing her changed appearance to holiday indulgence.
Breitbart reported that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed and dismissed rumors suggesting she might be expecting, clarifying her fuller appearance as a result of Thanksgiving festivity.
Rumors of Ocasio-Cortez's supposed pregnancy began circulating following a post by conservative activist Laura Loomer on the social media platform X, just after the presidential election.
Loomer's provocative post hinted at Ocasio-Cortez hiding her pregnancy until after the election results, accompanied by incendiary comments about abortion rights.
The speculation gained further traction when a Republican member of Congress directly questioned Ocasio-Cortez about her pregnancy on the House floor.
This bold inquiry occurred in a week filled with whispered conjectures among political circles and media.
Ocasio-Cortez decided to address these rumors head-on through her Instagram story, prompted by a direct question from a follower about whether she was expecting. Her response was straightforward and imbued with her characteristic candidness.
"Everyone keeps asking me if I’m pregnant," Ocasio-Cortez stated in her Instagram story. She continued, revealing the approach by her colleague: "Actually, a member, a Republican, came to me on the floor this week and asked me if I was pregnant. I’m not pregnant guys, I had a lot of food at Thanksgiving. Okay? It happens," she explained.
This exchange highlighted the often personal scrutiny faced by public figures, particularly women in politics.
Ocasio-Cortez's light-hearted dismissal aimed to put an end to the speculation while bringing attention to the casual body scrutiny that women often endure.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often in the limelight, has been engaged to Riley Roberts, a web designer, which sometimes fuels public interest in her personal life.
In 2023, this interest was further piqued when she referred to Roberts as her "spouse" on official forms with the House Ethics Committee, despite not being legally married at the time.
This incident drew attention and varying interpretations, reflecting the continuous public and media scrutiny that Ocasio-Cortez navigates relating to both her personal and professional life.
Among the numerous challenges Ocasio-Cortez faces is the political backlash to her views, especially her vocal criticism of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This stance places her at the center of significant socio-political debates, influencing how both supporters and detractors perceive her.
Laura Loomer's harsh questioning post on X reflected the intersection of political opposition and personal animosity, which often characterizes the discourse surrounding high-profile politicians like Ocasio-Cortez.