Matt Gaetz Schools Alan Ritchson on Their High School Days
Former Congressman Matt Gaetz is firing back at actor Alan Ritchson in what can only be described as a high school throwback clash. The feud ignited after Ritchson, best known for his role in the Amazon series “Reacher,” claimed in a GQ interview that Gaetz was a “motherf—-er” and they were “definitely adversaries.” This comment did not sit well with Gaetz, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to set the record straight and remind everyone about their shared past at Niceville High School in Florida.
Gaetz, who represented Florida’s 1st congressional district from 2017 until 2024, reminisced about their Speech and Debate Team glory days, asserting they were not rivals. He even bragged about scooping up debate championships while Ritchson focused more on acting—probably already dreaming of his future on the big screen. In Gaetz’s version of events, he was well-liked by Ritchson’s family, even getting an invite to a retirement bash where he wowed the crowd with a rendition of J. Geils Band’s “Centerfold.”
On the flip side, Ritchson’s comments hint at a much deeper animosity, intensified by Gaetz’s controversial past. Ritchson slammed the former Congressman’s character, suggesting the people of Florida shouldn’t still be voting for him despite the serious allegations surrounding him—including accusations of sexual misconduct involving a minor, which Gaetz has repeatedly denied. The actor’s frustration reflects broader sentiments; a Gallup poll earlier this year indicated that trust in government officials is waning, and many voters are scrutinizing their representatives more closely.
In the backdrop of this feud, it’s clear that Ritchson’s disdain for Gaetz is more than just high school drama—it’s a social commentary on how our leaders are perceived and possibly how fame and politics can change due to the scrutiny of the public eye. With Gaetz resigning amid those allegations in 2024 and withdrawing from a high-profile Attorney General nomination, we can’t help but wonder if Ritchson has a point here. All in all, it’s more than just two old schoolmates trading barbs; it’s a reminder that our past can haunt our present and, in Gaetz’s case, be very publicly dissected.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and GQ Magazine, Gallup
