Importance Score: 62 / 100 🔴
Florida Republican Senator Joe Gruters Under Scrutiny for Following Adult Content and Gambling Accounts on Instagram
Florida State Senator and Republican National Committee Treasurer Joe Gruters is facing questions after his private Instagram activity was reviewed, revealing he follows a significant number of OnlyFans, gambling, and dating advice accounts. The married politician, who previously faced sexual harassment allegations, acknowledged following “questionable” accounts but stated he does not vet every profile he interacts with.
Private Instagram Account Reveals Questionable Follows
An examination of Senator Joe Gruters’ private Instagram account, exclusively accessed by DailyMail.com, indicated that as of last week, the Florida lawmaker was following at least 60 OnlyFans profiles. These profiles predominantly feature women in revealing attire, including lingerie and swimwear. Furthermore, the review uncovered that Gruters also follows several gambling-related accounts and profiles offering guidance on dating, male grooming, and boosting self-assurance.
Gruters Admits to Following ‘Questionable’ Content
When approached for comment by DailyMail.com, Gruters conceded that he does indeed follow what he described as ‘questionable’ accounts. However, he maintained that he does not have personal relationships with everyone he follows or who follows him.
In a statement to DailyMail.com, Gruters explained, “I typically engage accounts that are recommended to me or interact with my account.” He further added, “That being said, I will examine my follows and eliminate any content that might be deemed questionable.”
Significant Number of Followed Accounts
As of the time of reporting, Gruters’ private Instagram profile was following 6,477 accounts, a considerable figure for an account with restricted access. He has 3,781 followers, each requiring his approval to view his posts, highlighting the controlled nature of his private social media presence.
Past Sexual Harassment Allegations
In 2021, during his tenure as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, Gruters was the subject of an investigation initiated by the party following third-party sexual harassment claims. The allegations stemmed from an incident involving a legislative staff member after a night out in Tallahassee.
An independent inquiry was conducted, and the claims were subsequently dismissed due to a lack of firsthand accounts willing to formally come forward and testify. Gruters asserted at the time that he was unaware of both the allegations and the subsequent investigation.
Divergence from Party Lines and DeSantis Agenda
Within the Florida Senate, Gruters has recently demonstrated instances of breaking with party consensus, particularly in opposing aspects of Governor Ron DeSantis’ agenda. This includes advocating for more lenient marijuana legislation, placing him at odds with some within his own party.
Family-Oriented Public Image Contrasts with Instagram Activity
On the same Instagram account where the adult entertainment and gambling accounts are followed, Gruters primarily shares images featuring his wife and young children. The family resides in Sarasota, Florida, and his public social media presence largely portrays a family-oriented image.
For instance, a Thanksgiving post from last November showcased a family photograph of Gruters, his wife Sydney, and their three children proudly displaying medals after participating in a ‘Family Turkey Trot run!’
Details of Followed Accounts
A closer look at the followed profiles reveals that Gruters is connected to at least 60 accounts featuring suggestive, though not explicitly pornographic, content. These accounts primarily showcase women in bikinis, lingerie, and figure-hugging dresses.
A common feature among these profiles is the inclusion of links in their bios directing users to OnlyFans accounts or other websites where they offer more explicit or adult-oriented material for付费 access. Many of these profiles boast follower counts ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands.
In addition to adult content, Gruters’ followed accounts also include profiles offering advice on dating strategies, building confidence, and men’s grooming techniques.
As of last week, it remained unclear whether Gruters held subscriptions to any of the adult content platforms associated with the Instagram accounts he was following.
Political Affiliations and Background
Gruters’ Instagram bio highlights his five-time endorsement from former President Donald Trump and his three-time service as an Electoral College voter. He also held the position of Florida chairman for Trump’s presidential campaigns in both 2016 and 2020.
Representing Florida’s 22nd district, Gruters’ senatorial constituency encompasses Sarasota and coastal areas to its south. Service in the Florida legislature is considered a part-time role, with state senators earning an annual salary of $29,697, equating to $175 per day for a maximum of 60 days of work.
In addition to his senatorial duties, Gruters also serves as the treasurer for the Republican National Committee (RNC). DailyMail.com has reportedly contacted the Republican National Committee for comment regarding this matter.