Matt Gaetz responds to Alan Ritchson's high school rivalry remarks

In an unexpected resurfacing of high school sentiments, former Congressman Matt Gaetz and actor Alan Ritchson recently exchanged words over remarks made by Ritchson about their past. During an interview with GQ, Ritchson described Gaetz as an "adversary," prompting Gaetz to inject humor into the situation and deny any ongoing discord.

The comments between Gaetz and Ritchson centered around their time at Niceville High School in Florida, where both were members of the speech and debate team.

Gaetz, who graduated in 2000, one year ahead of Ritchson, responded on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. He playfully suggested that Hollywood's influence might have altered his former classmate's perspective, stating: "Hollywood apparently changes people!"

High School Connections Evident After Years

The relationship between Gaetz and Ritchson traces back to their tenure at Niceville High, where they engaged in speech and debate together. Though they trod different paths — with Gaetz pursuing politics and Ritchson focusing on acting — their shared history has now become a public conversation.

Ritchson expressed criticism towards Floridians who voted for Gaetz, citing his alleged commitments to pardon individuals with criminal backgrounds. Meanwhile, Gaetz highlighted his debate achievements, noting that Ritchson devoted more energy to acting pursuits. Gaetz also fondly recalled Ritchson's older brother, Eric, who had more success in debate competitions.

In his light-hearted social media retort, Gaetz reminisced about attending a retirement party for Ritchson's father at a karaoke establishment known as 'Lewbos' in Niceville. He spoke positively about the interactions he had with Ritchson's family, particularly with Ritchson's mother, whom he remembered as a friendly computer lab monitor.

Divergent Paths Explored After Graduation

After high school, Gaetz went on to earn a seat first in the Florida House of Representatives before securing election to Congress in 2016. His political journey took a notable turn when he resigned following his re-election in November 2024 to be considered for a Department of Justice role, though he later removed himself from this potential appointment.

In recent months, Gaetz has been under the renewed scrutiny of the House Ethics Committee, which is revisiting allegations of misconduct spanning from early 2017 to mid-2020. This investigation could complicate Gaetz's public image during a career transition.

Ritchson’s early life included a move to Florida due to his parents’ assignment at Eglin Air Force Base, which eventually led to his enrollment at Niceville High. His acting career gained traction after graduating, leading to roles in popular television series and films.

Varied Reactions to Alan Ritchson’s Comments

Ritchson, during the GQ interview, succinctly referred to Gaetz as an adversary, a characterization that sparked the recent exchanges between the two. Addressing Ritchson's opinions, Gaetz took a more jovial approach, downplaying the actor's portrayal of their high school dynamic.

The actor also scrutinized Gaetz's political backing in Florida's panhandle area, emphasizing the controversy surrounding Gaetz’s purported internal discussions about pardoning individuals involved in criminal activities. "It's shocking to me," Ritchson said, referring to Gaetz’s political support despite these allegations.

Overall, Gaetz's retort to Ritchson offers a window into the complexities of personal and professional evolution, even as it underscores the light-hearted aspects of their shared history. As both have taken distinctive paths in life, they continue to reflect on their youthful interactions, albeit with contrasting interpretations.

While the narrative around Gaetz's political career remains intricate, his engagement with Ritchson's comments showcases the enduring personal connections forged during formative educational experiences. These interactions reveal more than past rivalries — they highlight the spectrum of relationships that persist, even amidst the public domains of entertainment and politics.