Cawthorn and aide had lewd nicknames for Venmo transactions

A complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics alleges that embattled North Carolina Representative Madison Cawthorn exchanged lewd messages with a staffer that was photographed with a hand on the congressman’s crotch.

American Muckrakers PAC, which is also known as Fire Madison Cawthorn, filed a complaint with the office on 27 April requesting an investigation into whether Mr Cawthorn violated any House rules with regard to Stephen L Smith.

The complaint alleges that Mr Cawthorn violated multiple rules by providing free housing to Mr Smith, who is reportedly Mr Cawthorn’s cousin. It also alleges that Mr Cawthorn has provided loans to Mr Smith.