White House chief of staff hosted lavish wedding that broke covid rules
Event had around 70 guests, and most weren’t wearing masks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.White House chief of staff Mark Meadows hosted a lavish wedding for his daughter in Atlanta in May that defied state and citywide coronavirus restrictions, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
The event featured a guest list of about 70, including congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio, and attendees packed a crowded dance floor without face masks, according to photos the paper reviewed of the event. Mr Meadows declined initial requests for comment on the story.
An executive from Novare Events, which manages special events at the wedding venue in question, the Biltmore Ballrooms, as well as other locations, told the AJC they made sure they were acting “lawfully and in compliance” with coronavirus regulations before hosting the event.
“While we do not comment on clients’ events, we can confirm that the entire 16,000 square feet of the space was reserved for this small wedding — greatly exceeding the per person square footage allowed by the order,” Myrna Antar, president of the firm, said.
A statewide order from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, signed on May 12, banned gatherings of more than 10 people unless they were six feet apart.
It’s not the first time an event Mr Meadows has been involved in has come under coronavirus scrutiny. At least 11 people, including the president, tested positive after the White House hosted a Rose Garden ceremony in September announcing the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Many attendees were photographed sitting close together, not wearing masks, and making close personal contact.
Updated coronavirus guidance in Georgia, which bans gatherings of more than 50, has also been broken in recent days. President Trump addressed a large indoor crowd, many not wearing face masks, in September, and Gov Kemp has ignored his own policies by appearing at large GOP rallies recently.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments