Representative Mondaire Jones said he was returning thousands of dollars donated to his campaign by a nightclub owner who is currently being sued for allegedly imposing racist and sexist entry policies and allegedly ignoring illegal drug use.
“The campaign was not aware of any allegations at the time these donations were made, and while they have not conducted a review of the allegations, the donations have been returned out of an abundance of caution,” Bill Neidhardt said. , spokesperson for the woke Democrat. , told the Post.
Robert Fluet, co-owner of The Q, a Hell’s Kitchen gay nightclub, gave Jones at least $5,800 in 2021, according to Federal Election Commission records. Fluet offered an additional $2,900, which was likely returned because they violated federal election donation limits.
Jones returned the favor by hosting a $350-a-head fundraiser at the club on May 20 to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Party guests included Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York), Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) and State Attorney General Letitia James, an invitation to the shows of the event.
Fluet has been an occasional Democratic donor over the years, usually supporting LGBT candidates. He gave $1,000 to Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney in March and $500 to the campaign of former American Idol star Clay Aiken, who is running for Congress from North Carolina, records show.
Jones, a congressman from Westchester, was kicked out of his district by Maloney after a statewide redistricting and is currently campaigning carpetbagger for re-election in a new seat spanning Lower Manhattan and Park Slope. The crowded field includes former mayor Bill de Blasio and councilwoman Carlina Rivera.
Maud Maron, who is also challenging Jones for the nomination, called the donations “gross”.
“He could and really should be more selective about where he gets his money from,” she said.
Fluent has vehemently pushed back against the claims of discrimination.
“No form of racism, transphobia, colorism or any other form of discrimination has been or will be tolerated in my rooms. It is my commitment to you.
