Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accepted complimentary tickets valued at a minimum of $21,500 to attend 20 galas and fundraisers in 2025, according to his financial disclosure forms filed with the city's Conflicts of Interest Board. Several of the organizations hosting these events have existing contracts with New York City.
Thirteen of the 20 events were hosted by nonprofits and other organizations that hold city contracts. The values of the tickets ranged from $1,000 to nearly $5,000 each. Some events featured appearances by celebrities from sports, music, and Hollywood.
Notable events Bragg attended on a complimentary basis included the Vera Institute of Justice's "Paths to Progress" gala in April, an organization focused on reforming the criminal justice and immigration systems. He also attended the Robin Hood Foundation's benefit in May, which raised $72 million for New Yorkers living in poverty and featured performances by The Weeknd and Seth MacFarlane. Phoenix House, a nonprofit supporting individuals recovering from substance abuse, also hosted an annual soiree in May that Bragg attended. This event featured Governor Kathy Hochul and actor Jason Biggs.
Seven of the 2025 events not hosted by groups with city business included a dinner for Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network and a gala for LatinoJustice. LatinoJustice is involved in a federal lawsuit seeking to abolish the NYPD’s gang database.
Bragg, a Democrat, has faced criticism regarding his approach to crime since taking office in 2022. His reported ticket values for 2025 ranged from $21,500 to nearly $138,000. In comparison, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark reported gifts from seven events totaling $1,300 to $11,000, and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez reported four events valued at $2,500 to $11,300. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon reported no such complimentary tickets.
This marks a change from Bragg's first two years in office, when he did not report attending any events as free gifts. In 2024, he reportedly attended 17 galas where comped tickets were valued between $9,400 and $53,000.
Former Councilman Robert Holden criticized Bragg's attendance at these events, stating that the District Attorney should prioritize law enforcement over accepting free tickets from organizations with city business, suggesting it creates an appearance of a conflict of interest.
A spokesperson for Bragg, Danielle Filson, dismissed the criticism, highlighting a reported decline in shootings and murders in Manhattan since Bragg assumed office.