George Santos denies reports that he competed as drag queen in Brazil

New York Republican under pressure over fabrications about his career, past and alleged criminal behaviour

George Santos on Thursday tweeted an angry denial that he competed as a drag queen in Brazilian beauty pageants 15 years ago, claims made by acquaintances that have highlighted the contrast between the Republican congressman's past actions and now staunchly conservative views.

The New Yorker, who says he is gay, dismissed the story as an obsession" by the media, which he insisted, without irony, continues to make outrageous claims about my life".