Former Long Island Rep. George Santos recently revealed the unexpected way he met his husband, Matheus “Matt” Gerard. In an exclusive interview with Page Six, Santos disclosed that the couple first connected on the popular gay dating app Grindr. However, this meeting was not as straightforward as one might expect. Santos explained that a glitch in the app’s system made it appear as though Gerard was much closer in proximity to him than he actually was. Despite the unconventional circumstances of their meeting, Santos humorously pondered whether it was fate or simply a technological error.
Santos, who tied the knot with Gerard in 2021, emphasized that their wedding was not a grand or romantic affair. He candidly shared that Gerard dislikes it when Santos reveals that they originally met on Grindr, describing it as “sad.” The former politician reflected on the challenges of navigating the dating scene in Manhattan, describing it as “brutal” due to people’s high expectations. He noted that individuals with lofty expectations often fail to reciprocate that same level of recognition.
The public first became aware of Santos’ marriage when he expressed his condolences on social media following the death of Senator Dianne Feinstein in September. In his message, Santos referred to Gerard as his husband, marking a significant moment in his public declaration of their relationship. Notably, Santos also shared his pride in being the “first openly gay Republican to be elected to Congress,” highlighting the complexities of revealing his political affiliation in a liberal city like New York.
Despite facing rumors of a potential romance with an OnlyFans performer named Michael Doherty in February 2024, Santos vehemently denied any romantic involvement. He clarified that his interactions with Doherty were strictly professional, as Doherty managed Santos’ social media presence through his company, Vizie. Santos firmly asserted that their relationship was confined to business dealings and nothing more.
Santos’ political career faced a tumultuous turn when he became the sixth person in history to be expelled from Congress. An exposé uncovered his deceitful practices on the campaign trail, along with his misappropriation of campaign funds, leading to 23 federal fraud charges against him. Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, Santos’ reputation has been marred by allegations of unethical conduct.
George Santos’ journey from a former congressman to a controversial figure reflects the complexities of his personal and professional life. His openness about meeting his husband on Grindr, navigating the challenges of his political career, and addressing rumors with transparency showcase a multifaceted individual grappling with public scrutiny. Only time will tell how Santos’ story will continue to unfold amidst the backdrop of controversy and accountability.