A Texas state representative, known for his staunch pro-life stance, finds himself at the center of a scandal involving claims of a long-term affair with a former exotic dancer. The accusations, which include paying for multiple abortions, strike a sharp contrast to his public record.

According to the New York Post, Republican state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione is accused by a woman named Alex Grace of engaging in a relationship that began when she was just 18. Grace, who recently shared her story in a video on Current Revolt Substack and TikTok, alleges that Capriglione paid for meetups and abortions over the years.

The timing of these revelations adds fuel to the fire, as they surfaced just three days after Capriglione dropped his reelection bid for his seat in the suburbs north of Fort Worth. Grace claims their relationship started in 2004 when she was working as a dancer and he was a frequent visitor to her club.

Early Encounters and Alleged Payments

Grace described Capriglione as initially presenting himself as a straight-laced businessman, returning to the club every few weeks. Their interactions, she says, evolved from casual to deeply personal, moving from his office to hotels and even his home when his family was away.

She alleges that he provided cash and gifts throughout their relationship, including a bizarre instance where she was instructed to retrieve money from under a rubber mat near a dumpster behind a Chuck E. Cheese. This odd detail paints a picture of secrecy that clashes with the image of a family-values politician.

Perhaps most damning, Grace claims Capriglione paid for several abortions, a direct contradiction to his legislative efforts to restrict such procedures. On his campaign website, he touts a 100% pro-life voting record, including authoring a trigger ban that could punish abortion providers with life in prison.

Personal Admissions and Public Denials

Capriglione has admitted to the affair, releasing a statement that reads, “Years ago, I selfishly had an affair. I'm not proud of this.”

While acknowledging the personal failing, he firmly denies ever paying for an abortion, adding, “I have never, nor would I ever, pay for an abortion.” He also expressed gratitude for his family’s forgiveness and vowed to pursue legal remedies against Grace’s other claims.

His admission of infidelity may garner some sympathy from those who value honesty after a misstep, but the hypocrisy angle stings. If Grace’s accusations about the abortions hold any truth, they undermine the very principles he’s built his career on.

Relationship Dynamics and Breaking Point

Grace’s account of their bond suggests a complex dynamic, claiming they became close friends and that Capriglione encouraged her to aim higher in life. She even alleges his wife was aware of and encouraged the affair, a detail that raises eyebrows about the personal lives behind political facades.

However, she says the relationship soured as his fantasies became too extreme for her comfort, and his political moves to limit women’s rights clashed with her values. This conflict, she states, was the catalyst for her decision to step away.

Their final interaction, a heated phone call between 2019 and 2020, where she confronted him on his stances, reportedly ended with him hanging up. They have not spoken since, according to her account.

Political Fallout and Broader Implications

For a politician who has championed restrictive laws on reproductive choices, these allegations cut deep into his credibility. Voters who supported him for his unwavering pro-life stance may now question whether his private actions align with his public rhetoric.

Grace’s claim of being just 18 when this began also prompts scrutiny of power imbalances in such relationships, especially given Capriglione’s status and age at the time. It’s a reminder that personal conduct can overshadow even the most carefully crafted political image.

As this story unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of moral absolutism in public life. Capriglione’s future, legally and politically, hangs on how much of Grace’s story is substantiated, but the damage to trust may already be done.