Ex-Dem Staffer Who Filmed Sex Act in Capitol Says He Spent Time in Psych Ward After Scandal
Aidan Maese-Czeropski, a former Democratic staffer, has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. At just 24 years old, he found himself at the center of a scandal when an explicit video of him engaging in sexual activity in a congressional hearing room was leaked in 2023. Following the incident, he was let go from his position with Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.).
In a candid interview with Gay Sydney News, Maese-Czeropski opened up about the mental toll the scandal took on him, revealing that he “spent a little bit in the psych ward” after the news broke. The overwhelming realization that “tens of millions of people literally despise you” was a heavy burden to bear, he admitted. However, he has since relocated to Sydney, Australia, where he has started a new chapter in his life, even launching an OnlyFans account.
Reflecting on his time in Washington, D.C., he expressed his discomfort with the public spotlight, stating, “Everyone in DC knew me, and it was kind of gross and horrifying.” This discomfort played a significant role in his decision to leave the United States. Despite the scandal, Maese-Czeropski claims to be happier and financially better off now, thanks to his new venture on OnlyFans. “I think that one of the reasons why the scandal wasn’t as traumatic as it could’ve been is because I was very depressed working in government,” he explained. “I hated my life, I hated my job, the pay was s—t.”
After the scandal, Maese-Czeropski initially fled to South Africa, where he met a New Zealander who encouraged him to make the move to Australia permanent. “I got some flak… people were like, ‘OK, he’s washed up,’” he recalled. “But it’s also about my mental health. I just needed time to process the scandal.”
Now, living in Sydney, he has embraced his new life, although he still carries some bitterness regarding the infamous incident. “I got all these death threats, hatred. And the guy who was the top didn’t,” he joked, hinting at the disparity in public reaction to the scandal.
Interestingly, Maese-Czeropski has chosen to lean into his notoriety, even changing his Instagram handle to reflect the “Senate twink” nickname that emerged from the scandal. “It’s a good conversation starter,” he quipped, showcasing a sense of humor about his situation.
The footage that sparked the controversy depicted a young man bent over a conference table in the Hart Senate Office Building, with another man filming the act. A separate image showed Maese-Czeropski naked on a desk typically used by senators. The video was initially shared in a private group for gay insiders in D.C. before making its way to a now-deleted account on X.
In February 2024, the U.S. Capitol Police concluded their investigation into the incident, ultimately deciding not to press charges against either individual involved. They stated, “After consulting with federal and local prosecutors, as well as doing a comprehensive investigation and review of possible charges, it was determined that—despite a likely violation of congressional policy—there is currently no evidence that a crime was committed.”
As Maese-Czeropski continues to navigate his new life in Australia, he remains a figure of intrigue, embodying the complexities of personal scandal and public perception. His journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the resilience required to move forward.
