Abortion rights activist Olivia Julianna said she confronted Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz at the United States Capitol during the State of the Union address and thanked him for helping her fundraise $2 million for abortion rights after he body-shamed her.
Julianna, who was invited to the ceremony by California Democratic Representative Nanette Barragán, said Gaetz's reaction after she shook his hand was to say that he "heard [she] had trouble spending it" before deciding to "quickly walk away in the opposite direction."
Julianna added:
"What a loser."
You can see her tweet below.
\u201cJust want everyone to know I just shook @mattgaetz hand and thanked him for helping me raise 2 million dollars. His response was to say \u201cheard you had trouble spending it.\u201d And to quickly walk away in the opposite direction. \n\nWhat a loser lol.\u201d— Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3 (@Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3) 1675827434
In a follow-up tweet, Julianna said Gaetz "has a weak handshake."
\u201cMatt Gaetz has a weak handshake\u201d— Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3 (@Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3) 1675834350
Julianna made headlines nationwide over the summer after the aforementioned Gaetz said women who "look like a thumb" shouldn't concern themselves with advocating for abortion rights.
She took him to task for saying that "odious... 5'2 350 pound women" rally for reproductive rights even though they're the ones who "nobody wants to impregnate." She noted she is 5'11"—and 6'4" in heels, which she wears "so the small men like you are reminded of your place."
Gaetz later responded by taking a screenshot of Julianna's Twitter profile picture and referring to her as "dander raised."
Gaetz's attack presented Julianna with an opportunity, and she announced she would be fundraising for Gen-Z for Change, which splits donations across abortion funds in all 50 states "where services are most needed."
In the end, she raised more than $2 million at a time when the nation was still reeling from the fresh news the Supreme Court had overturned established law on reproductive rights.
Many have praised her for confronting Gaetz and enjoying some sweet revenge at his expense.
\u201c@0liviajulianna @mattgaetz You are fabulous! But he sure gave a goofy reply. Then like all bullies he ran away. Figures.\u201d— Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3 (@Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3) 1675827434
\u201c@0liviajulianna @mattgaetz LOL! You got him by the short hairs, as the saying goes!\u201d— Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3 (@Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3) 1675827434
\u201c@0liviajulianna @Gonegirl227 @mattgaetz That took real courage! Congratulations!\u201d— Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3 (@Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3) 1675827434
\u201c@0liviajulianna @mattgaetz You go, Olivia! You make us all proud, my friend! \ud83d\ude4c\u201d— Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3 (@Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3) 1675827434
\u201c@0liviajulianna @mattgaetz I hope you used a bottle of hand sanitizer after that encounter! Stand strong, young lady! \ud83d\ude0a\ud83d\udc4d\u201d— Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3 (@Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3) 1675827434
\u201c@0liviajulianna @mattgaetz Yet another interaction where you came out on top.\u201d— Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3 (@Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3) 1675827434
\u201c@0liviajulianna @mattgaetz Oh, so you called him out again and he ran away again! \ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02 He is a loser!\u201d— Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3 (@Olivia Julianna \ud83d\uddf3) 1675827434
Julianna has proven herself a force while fundraising in her capacity as the Director of Politics and Government Affairs for Gen Z for Change.
Last year, she raised money for Texas Democrats after self-described "Christian conservative liberty loving Texan" state Republican Representative Jonathan Stickland body-shamed her and mocked her for her "unnatural" sexual orientation.
In response, Julianna called on her followers to help her raise $50,000 for Texas Democrats, offering a substantial cash infusion in some of the most closely-watched congressional races in the country ahead of November's midterm elections.
