Justice Samuel Alito Receives $900 Concert Tickets from German Socialite Gloria von Thurn und Taxis

The financial disclosure, released on Friday, reveals the gift but does not specify the event for which the tickets were issued. Alito, who has frequently requested extensions for his annual financial filings, noted the tickets were provided by von Thurn und Taxis.

This disclosure comes amid increasing scrutiny over ethics at the US Supreme Court, particularly concerning undisclosed gifts and travel from wealthy individuals. Supreme Court justices are required to file annual financial disclosures, though these reports are limited in scope. Notably, they do not include the value of their homes or their spouses’ incomes. Justices receive an annual salary of $298,500, with Chief Justice John Roberts earning $312,200.

Who is Gloria von Thurn und Taxis?

Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, while not officially a princess due to the abolition of nobility titles in Germany under the Weimar Constitution of 1919, remains a prominent figure in German society. Known for her past punk hairstyles and current conservative Catholic views, she has been a controversial figure. Her opinions include denial of human-caused climate change and criticism of same-sex marriage.

She has faced criticism for her connections to right-wing extremists and homophobic views. Additionally, she has met with Stephen Bannon, former adviser to ex-President Donald Trump, and suggested using her home as a school for right-wing Catholics.

Von Thurn und Taxis is also known for hosting the Thurn und Taxis Castle Festival in Regensburg, where protests against her have been reported, especially following a controversial meeting in July 2023 with the Werte-Union wing of the Christian Democratic Union and former Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution president Hans-Georg Maassen.