Feminist author charged after dumping drink on Rep. Matt Gaetz at Florida wine festival
Authorities have charged a Florida author of feminist literature with battery after she threw her drink at Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) during a wine festival over the weekend.
Selena J. Chambers, of Tallahassee, was jailed Saturday evening over the incident at the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival. She was slapped with one count of battery on an elected official and one count of simple battery, according to an arrest report from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
The 41-year-old Chambers, a Pushcart Prize-nominated writer of feminist horror stories, reportedly cursed out Gaetz and his wife before tossing her drink at the congressman. She then turned and walked away, flipping off the Florida representative.
A witness who was standing next to Gaetz told police that Chambers had been swearing loudly and was also struck with her drink after she threw it.
Chambers admitted to having consumed alcohol at the event, but told officers she had tripped and spilled her drink on the congressman.
The Tallahassee woman also said she recognized the congressman before the spill, though a friend accompanying her took credit for swearing at Gaetz.
Gaetz told the responding officer he intends to press charges. His office’s press release on the incident identified Chambers as “a registered Democrat and self-described member of the ‘Resistance.’”
The Florida Republican mentioned the offense during a Tuesday episode of his podcast “Firebrand.”
“I will never allow the safety of Northwest Floridians to be compromised,” Gaetz said in a statement.
“I will be pressing charges against this individual in order to uphold the civility our community deserves. Thank you to the Walton County Sheriff’s office for taking swift action.”
The Walton County Jail on Sunday released Chambers on $1,000 bond pending trial.
