George Santos says he's lost 97 pounds on Ozempic and a cage match versus Mitt Romney wouldn't be 'fair' because he studied jiu-jitsu
Aug 24, 2023, 22:40 IST
- George Santos told party guests he's lost 97 pounds on Ozempic, Page Six reported.
- He also said fighting Mitt Romney in cage match wouldn't "fair" because he knows jiu-jitsu.
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Controversial GOP Congressman George Santos is apparently ready to step into the octagon, Page Six reported.
According to Page Six sources, the embattled New York representative boasted about losing nearly 100 pounds thanks to the diabetes medication Ozempic and that a cage fight between himself and Mitt Romney wouldn't be fair.
Santos made the remarks while attending a birthday party at the upscale Manhattan restaurant Bice, Page Six reported.A fellow guest jokingly suggested the congressman take on political foe Mitt Romney in a cage fight, similar to the playful threats exchanged between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, the outlet said.Santos responded by bragging about his jiu-jitsu skills and how he'd stomp the Utah senator in a fight, Page Six reported."I'd do that, but it wouldn't be fair as I'm Brazilian, and I'd beat his butt because I studied jiu-jitsu for five years," Santos said, according to the Page Six source.A Santos spokesperson confirmed to Page Six that Santos studied jiu-jitsu. Before the Page Six article, Santos hadn't spoken publicly about any martial arts training.A Santos spokesperson declined to comment further on Santos' purported jiu-jitsu training or his use of Ozempic to Insider, writing, "I will not comment on sensitive matters such as the Congressman's health to respect HIPAA law." (HIPPA laws only apply to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers.)Santos is currently facing a 13-count federal indictment related to alleged financial crimes. Prosecutors claim Santos was involved in a scheme to defraud investors and launder stolen money. Santos pleaded not guilty to the charges in January. In July, he asked the judge to change his bail conditions so it's easier to dine out and go shopping.Beyond the fraud allegations, the congressman has also admitted to lying about many elements of his background while first running for office in 2020. Santos confessed he lied about his education, working for major Wall Street banks, and other details from his biography.The lies and criminal charges haven't stopped Santos from seeking reelection in 2024. Page Six reported that its source said Santos remains confident he'll win the GOP primary and general election next year.Santos reportedly told attendees he expects to regain committee assignments he relinquished in January amid the ballooning scandals. The congressman previously sat on the House Small Business Committee and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.Story updated to reflect response from Santos spokesperson.