Matt Gaetz joins Cameo, cashing in like Mike Tyson and Snoop Dogg

In a surprising career shift, Matt Gaetz, an American congressman, launched his profile on Cameo, a platform for personalized video messages, on November 22, 2024. This decision came following the collapse of his candidacy for the U.S. Attorney General position, which faced considerable opposition from Republican colleagues due to legal issues surrounding Gaetz, including allegations of sex trafficking and drug use. Cameo allows users to request customized videos from various celebrities, including politicians, actors, and athletes. Users can specify the nature of their request, be it for birthdays, weddings, or motivational messages. In his profile, Gaetz makes light of his political past, stating, "I served in Congress. Trump nominated me to be U.S. Attorney General (that didn’t work out). Once I fired the House Speaker." His witty remark highlights his controversial status within the Republican Party and a sense of humor about his situation. Set at a price of around $500, Gaetz's videos typically last about one minute, providing users with engaging content that includes motivational talks and personal messages. With a five-star rating, comments from users reflect positive experiences, citing Gaetz’s creativity and humor in his responses. Notably, messages can incorporate catchphrases familiar to his political career, such as "Make America Great Again." Gaetz is not alone in this new venture, as several other celebrities, including Mike Tyson, Charlie Sheen, and Snoop Dogg, are also utilizing Cameo to generate income through personalized messages. The platform saw a significant increase in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as individuals sought new ways to connect with loved ones in a virtual setting. Gaetz’s transition from politics to entertainment via Cameo represents a broader trend where public figures adapt their careers in response to changing circumstances and public scrutiny.