A New Jersey congressman was caught in what were apparently his boxers during a virtual congressional meeting in a clip that circulated Thursday.
Democratic Rep. Donald Payne seemed to have forgotten his camera was on as he stood up during the call. The congressman’s midsection and what looked to be boxers were exposed for a few seconds before he moved out of the camera’s shot.
“Another reason Democrats should get off Zoom and back to work,” said Texas Rep. Beth Van Duyne in a Thursday tweet with a clip of the slip-up attached.
Another reason Democrats should get off Zoom and back to work. #TheStruggleIsReal pic.twitter.com/92cvxqnEV2
— Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (@RepBethVanDuyne) June 17, 2021
CAUGHT ON ZOOM: EIGHT WILD MOMENTS FROM THE PANDEMIC CAPTURED THROUGH A CAMERA LENS
Florida Rep. Kat Cammack can be seen on the call appearing shocked.
The clip appears to have been filmed during Thursday’s House Homeland Security Committee hearing, Fox News reported.
Sam Morgante, Payne’s legislative director, implied that Van Duyne’s tweet was intended to fat-shame the congressman.
“Hey Congresswoman, Rep. Payne, Jr.’s Legislative Director here,” he replied to her post on Twitter. “It’s no secret that as a diabetic the Congressman has his weight struggles. But we try to stick to policy here in Congress.”
Hey Congresswoman, Rep. Payne, Jr.’s Legislative Director here. It’s no secret that as a diabetic the Congressman has his weight struggles. But we try to stick to policy here in Congress. https://t.co/zJ1XeoEM2z
— Sam Morgante (@stmorgante) June 17, 2021
“If taxpayers are paying you $174,000 per year, getting out of bed and putting some clothes on for work seems like it should be a minimum requirement,” tweeted Florida Rep. Brian Mast.
If taxpayers are paying you $174,000 per year, getting out of bed and putting some clothes on for work seems like it should be a minimum requirement. https://t.co/Sqh6BdZ4W7
— Rep. Brian Mast (@RepBrianMast) June 17, 2021
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Patrick Wright, Payne’s communications director, told the Washington Examiner it would be “irresponsible” to characterize the Republicans’ comments as “attacks.”
“As a public servant, my focus has always been the public good and my work to better the lives of my constituents and all Americans, regardless of the circumstances,” Payne said in a statement.
