A Democratic congressional candidate is “claiming her sexuality” after a clip of her work in a BDSM dungeon in Manhattan was leaked.
Courtney Casgraux, 41, is a self-described “international businesswoman” who is running for a seat in the United States House of Representatives for Oregon’s 1st District.
The single mother of a teenage son was exposed in a video leaked to Reddit for working as a dominatrix in Manhattan in her 20s and 30s.
Casgraux would charge clients $500 for playing the dominant role in BDSM activities.
The California native returned to the BDSM industry when she started working at Donatella’s Dungeon – a hidden S&M club in Midtown Manhattan. The New York Post reported.
Courtney Casgraux, 41, is a self-described “international businesswoman” who is running for a seat in the United States House of Representatives for Oregon’s 1st District
The single mother of a teenage son was exposed in a video leaked to Reddit for working as a dominatrix in Manhattan in her 20s and 30s
She launched her campaign to represent Portland’s western suburbs on June 7 – a few months later she discovered that provocative images of her work as a BDSM dominatrix had been leaked to the public on Reddit.
The bomb’s leak on August 31 shocked Casgraux and left her panicking: ‘I thought, ‘Who did this?’ and I just started calling everyone that I knew pretty much from my past… I was hyperventilating and crying,” she said.
She described the disturbing moment she saw the video: “My heart just sank and I went psycho.”
The political candidate never discovered who exposed her in the Reddit post. She thinks whoever is responsible was trying to “shame” her.
“To be ashamed of something that helped create the life I have today, where I have opportunities…really made me angry.” Because it felt like an attack on women, not just me,” she said.
She’s now reclaiming her sexuality – starting with a collaboration with Playboy campaigns.
She’s now reclaiming her sexuality – starting with a collaboration with Playboy campaigns
On her campaign website, the Oregon Democrat said, “As a fiercely independent single mother who has had to navigate life’s adversities, I understand firsthand the struggles American families face every day.”
In an Instagram post, the former dominatrix said, “First and foremost, I would like to thank Playboy for giving me the opportunity to express what freedom means to me and for welcoming me into the Playboy family.
“Over the past month, Playboy has not only supported me, but also my congressional campaign.
“I look forward to using my platform to educate, raise voices and raise money for those less fortunate.
“My journey with Playboy is just beginning, so I’m looking forward to more things to come.
“Second, I reclaim this American flag and what it represents, and that is FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.”
On her campaign website, the Oregon Democrat said, “As a fiercely independent single mother who has had to navigate life’s adversities, I understand firsthand the struggles American families face every day.”
Casgraux said she comes from a family of both Republicans and Democrats and is running for Congress to “empower Americans to fight for a democracy that truly represents the desires and needs of working families.”
Key political issues her campaign focuses on include securing LGBTQ rights and equality, defending abortion rights nationwide, comprehensive gun reform, and taking immediate action on climate change and protecting our natural resources.
The bomb’s leak on August 31 shocked Casgraux and left her in panic: “I thought, ‘Who did this?’ and I just started calling everyone that I knew pretty much from my past… I was hyperventilating, crying,” she said
Casgraux said she comes from a family of both Republicans and Democrats and is running for Congress to “empower Americans to fight for a democracy that truly represents the desires and needs of working families.”
Users on Reddit – the website used to expose Casgraux’s daring past – had mixed opinions about the Democratic candidate.
One user said, “Looks like Oregon has a real gem running for Congress in 2024. A self-proclaimed women’s advocate with a background as a Dominatrix named Courtney Casgraux.”
Another replied: ‘That’s morally outrageous! Does she have a website? Can you link it so I know not to go there?’
Someone else said: ‘And that’s unpopular because?’