NY Candidate Defends BDSM Photos as No Impact on Service

WHO:

Newsweek - Chris Gallant is a Democratic congressional candidate running for office in New York.

TMZ - Chris Gallant is identified as a House candidate on Long Island.

WHAT:

Newsweek - Chris Gallant is embracing the controversy surrounding his leaked BDSM photos.

TMZ - Gallant stated that the BDSM photos have "zero bearing" on his ability to serve in Congress.

WHERE:

TMZ - The controversy involves Gallant's candidacy for Congress on Long Island, New York.

WHEN:

TMZ - Gallant addressed the issue during an appearance on "TMZ Live" on a Wednesday.

WHY:

TMZ - Gallant is defending his past and asserting that it does not impact his qualifications for public service.

HOW:

Newsweek - Gallant is leaning into the controversy, suggesting a strategy to embrace the media attention surrounding the leaked photos.

(UPDATED October 8, 2026 16:06 UTC)

Chris Gallant, a Democratic congressional candidate running for office in New York, is embracing the controversy surrounding his leaked BDSM photos. During an appearance on "TMZ Live," Gallant stated that these photos have "zero bearing" on his ability to serve in Congress, defending his past while asserting it does not impact his qualifications for public service. By leaning into the media attention, Gallant is suggesting a strategy to turn the controversy into a positive aspect of his campaign on Long Island.