Breakup Unfolds for AOC’s Ex
Riley Roberts, who previously dated Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, was seen out with their dog, Deco, on Saturday. This was his first public appearance since news of their breakup emerged. Roberts, 38, looked a bit off while walking Deco outside Ocasio-Cortez’s apartment in Queens. He wore a black long-sleeve shirt and camo shorts, paired with army green Birkenstocks.
Sporting a Knicks cap, sunglasses, and earphones, he took a 20-minute stroll before returning to his East Elmhurst home. Ocasio-Cortez, 36, has not been spotted with Roberts since the split was reported. It came just days after she publicly discussed her egg-freezing process.
There’s some ambiguity surrounding their living situation. It’s unclear whether Roberts still resides with Ocasio-Cortez or is just looking after Deco for her while she focuses on her reported aspirations for the 2028 presidential run. Recently, Ocasio-Cortez has been busy sharing updates about her fertility journey on Instagram, where she has nearly 10 million followers.
Sources have indicated that the couple may have split earlier this year, partly because Ocasio-Cortez’s rising political fame created a “harmful” dynamic in their relationship. One Capitol Hill insider noted that it’s uncommon for men to put their partners’ ambitions first, and it’s surprising their relationship lasted as long as it did.
Despite their romantic split, insiders say they are still close and often share meals together. A former Democratic official described the pair as reminiscent of grandparents with their loving interactions and hoped for their happiness even as they parted ways.
Neither Ocasio-Cortez nor Roberts has formally commented on their breakup. Ocasio-Cortez, when asked recently, said she doesn’t share details about her personal life. Family members, including Roberts’ father, also declined to comment.
The couple first met at Boston University, bonding over discussions in a group. Roberts proposed in Puerto Rico in 2022, and Ocasio-Cortez previously celebrated her unique engagement ring, which she no longer wears.
They adopted Deco, who has made numerous appearances on their social media, in 2020, drawing criticism from PETA for opting to purchase a purebred dog instead of adopting a rescue dog.
PETA’s president expressed disappointment, emphasizing that with so many homeless animals, it was disheartening that they chose to buy. The organization also noted the health issues associated with breeding practices for French bulldogs.
