WASHINGTON (dpa) – Gloria Fürstin von Thurn und Taxis gave US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito hundreds of dollars worth of concert tickets last year. Alito disclosed his financial situation for 2023 and listed the $900 (about 812 euros) concert tickets from the German princess as a “gift.” Gloria von Thurn und Taxis told the Bavarian media group that the tickets were for the Regensburg Castle Festival, of which she is a patron. However, she stressed that “the tickets were cheaper and he would have appreciated that.” Alito, she said, is a “personal friend.”
Gloria Fürstin von Thurn und Taxis is a striking and polarizing figure. Her ultra-conservative views have antagonized some and applauded others. In the 1980s, she gained fame for her punk haircut, and then for her ultra-conservative Catholic beliefs. More recently, she has been accused of being right-wing extremist and homophobic. The 64-year-old denies this in an interview.
On the other hand, conservative Justice Alito has made headlines in recent months for the display of several controversial flags in front of his property, most notably an upside-down American flag, a symbol among supporters of former President Donald Trump who believed there was fraud in the 2020 election. Alito has criticized his wife for flying the controversial flag and has rejected calls from critics to stay out of courtroom issues related to Trump’s efforts to influence the election.
Supreme Court justices are appointed for life and make landmark decisions in social and political terms. They are required to disclose their financial status annually.
Last year, reports that a Texas real estate mogul gave Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas expensive gifts, including luxury trips and private jet trips, sparked an ethics debate. The justices agreed to a code of conduct, but its enforceability is questionable.
Gloria Fürstin of Thurn and Taxis is a striking and highly polarizing figure. (Archive image) Photo: Armin Weigel/dpa
