A Democratic congressional candidate from Oregon found herself in a state of fear as a video of her past work as a dominatrix came to light, potentially jeopardizing their political future.
The candidate, Courtney Casgraux, discovered that a video depicting her as a dominatrix in a Manhattan dungeon had been anonymously posted on Reddit in late August, causing shock and panic.
Casgraux, 41, revealed that she had previously worked as a dominatrix when she was younger, charging a substantial fee of $500 per hour.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, while residing with a friend in the Bronx, she decided to revisit this profession.
Don't shout the crass insult, "F' you" to Democratic Congressional hopeful Courtney Casgraux. She might mistake it for an employment opportunity. pic.twitter.com/T9yMyHoqKV
— Gimpydog (@Carpushka) November 19, 2023
According to the New York Post, she worked at Donatella’s Dungeon in the Big Apple.
Upon learning about the released video, Casgraux admitted to feeling a mix of panic, shock, and frustration.
“I was like, ‘Who did this?’ and I just started calling every single person that I pretty much knew from my past … I was like hyperventilating, crying,” she said in an interview with the outlet.
However, instead of succumbing to the pressure and public scrutiny, Casgraux took a unique approach to keep her campaign going.
She decided to “reclaim” her own sexuality and demonstrate her resilience by publicly embracing her past.
Casgraux created a Playboy profile and began selling photos of herself for a price of up to $150 each.
Democrats attract all the best people as candidates. https://t.co/JLeOhgHkZa
— Chris van Avery (@AngryRightMan) November 20, 2023
Reflecting on the situation, Casgraux expressed her anger, perceiving the release of the video as an attack not only against herself but also against women as a whole.
“To shame me for something that helped create the life that I have today where I have opportunity … made me really mad,” she stated.
In the face of her dungeon dwelling past, Casgraux remains steadfast in her political aspirations.
Her congressional page provides insights into her views on politics and how her dominatrix past influenced her decision to run for office.
“Looking at the national landscape, I grew up with leaders who didn’t look like me, or share my story,” she wrote.
“I didn’t see congressmen who sought the support of social services, or senators who fought tirelessly to start their own businesses while keeping the lights on at home.”
Casgraux noted that her BDSM backstory is an “incredible testament to the power of resilience and grit.”
“Having fought through countless obstacles and difficulties that so many working-class people endure, my life experience has only served to reinforce my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
The internet had plenty of hilarious reactions to the revelation about Casgraux’s previous line of work.
“At some point Americans will start electing women who did pr0n or worse,” one person tweeted.
“Maybe Courtney Casgraux of the Beaver state will be the first.”
“Don’t shout the crass insult, “F’ you” to Democratic Congressional hopeful Courtney Casgraux,” another wrote.
“She might mistake it for an employment opportunity.”