George Santos: Expeled New York Rep's Movie in the Works at HBO Films

By BERT HOOVER (staff@latinpost.com) First Posted: Dec 04, 2023 01:34 AM EST

HBO Films secures rights to Mark Chiusano's book "The Fabulist," chronicling the meteoric political ascent of George Santos and the fabrications that fueled it, slated for a movie adaptation. (Photo : MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

George Santos, recently expelled from the House of Representatives, is set to make a different kind of appearance, this time on the silver screen, according to The Daily Beast.

HBO Films has secured the rights to "The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos," a book penned by Newsday columnist Mark Chiusano.

Executive produced by Frank Rich, known for his work on "Veep" and "Succession," along with Mike Makowsky, the writer of "Bad Education," the movie will delve into the gripping narrative of Santos' tumultuous political career.

The George Santos movie, described as a saga of a local race that evolved into a battle for Long Island's soul, will unravel the story of a man who, in pursuit of his American Dream, exploited the system, waged war on truth, and swindled one of the wealthiest districts in the country.

The logline promises a Gatsby-esque journey and an exploration of how a seemingly minor political contest transformed into a significant event that impacted the political landscape.

While the George Santos movie's release date, director, and cast are yet to be announced, speculation on social media regarding potential actors for the role of the serial fabulist is already rampant.

George Santos' Congressional Stint Ends Amid Scandal

George Santos, a Republican, secured a notable victory for his party by flipping New York's 3rd Congressional District red in the 2022 cycle, per the NY Post.

However, his political ascent was marred by revelations of fabrications in his personal biography, including false claims about attending Baruch College and a fictitious career on Wall Street.

The aftermath of his election victory saw Santos facing a 23-count indictment accusing him of embezzlement and misleading donors.

Despite initial reluctance, Congress decisively expelled him in a historic 311 to 114 vote, with 105 Republicans supporting the effort, a rare move that marked only the sixth expulsion in the history of the US House of Representatives.

Despite announcing he won't seek reelection, Santos remains unyielding.

Following his expulsion, he vowed to file multiple complaints against his former colleagues to the House Committee on Ethics on Monday.

George Santos Faces Serious Violations and Legal Consequences

The expulsion followed an alarming report from the House Ethics Committee, revealing "substantial evidence of potential violations of federal criminal law."

The committee found that George Santos had consistently transferred campaign funds to his personal account, using the money for lavish expenditures at Hermès, OnlyFans, and Sephora, among other personal indulgences, Rolling Stone reports.

Notably, the former congressman reported payments for beauty and spa treatments, an opulent Hamptons getaway, and various charges during his honeymoon to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC).

The committee is referring the matter to the Justice Department.

Facing 36 federal charges, George Santos, who maintains his innocence, has been arrested and charged with lying to Congress, wire fraud, and money laundering.

A superseding indictment in October added 23 more counts, including conspiracy, identity theft, and additional instances of wire fraud and FEC violations.