An explicit video allegedly involving a former aide to Maryland Senator Ben Cardin has prompted the resignation of a staffer and an investigation by the US Capitol Police.
The video, released by the right-wing media outlet Daily Caller, supposedly shows two men engaging in sexual activity in a Senate hearing room, typically used by lawmakers for official business.
According to reports by The Daily Caller, the video was circulated in a private group for gay men involved in politics.
Speculation and allegations quickly arose in conservative media circles, identifying Aidan Maese-Czeropski, who worked as an aide for Senator Cardin, as one of the individuals in the footage. Following the incident, Senator Cardin’s office confirmed that Maese-Czeropski was no longer employed by the US Senate, refraining from further comments on this personnel issue.
In response to the growing controversy, Maese-Czeropski took to LinkedIn, not directly addressing the video but acknowledging his current challenging circumstances. He claimed to have been targeted for his love life to serve a political agenda. While admitting to past actions that reflected poor judgment, Maese-Czeropski denied any disrespect towards his workplace and mentioned considering legal options regarding the portrayal of his actions.
Maese-Czeropski’s professional background includes various roles within Senator Cardin’s office since 2021, such as staff assistant, foreign policy legislative aide, and legislative aide. He also previously interned for the late Senator Dianne Feinstein in 2018.
Senator Cardin’s office had initially recognized the media reports about the sex video but regarded it as a personal matter under review before confirming Maese-Czeropski’s termination.