Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Steps Up To Defend 'Joker' Stairs In Bronx

"This is for us," the Bronx, New York-born member of Congress said of the stairway that has now become a tourist attraction.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) remembers when the stairs from the movie “Joker” were just a place to avoid.

“When I was growing up, everyone would tell us to stay away from those steps or go with a friend,” the Bronx, New York, native told TMZ on Capitol Hill Tuesday. (See the clip above.)

But the borough became safer, she said. And now the steps at West 167th Street have been immortalized by Joaquin Phoenix’s clown prince of crime dancing on them in the blockbuster film. Tourists are reportedly flocking there for photos.

"Joker" and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are kindred spirits in their affection for the Bronx stairs featured in the movie.
"Joker" and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are kindred spirits in their affection for the Bronx stairs featured in the movie.
Warner Bros/Getty Images

Ocasio-Cortez good-naturedly warned against the climb-it change on social media.

“Listen, keep your Instagram posts outside of the Boogie Down,” Ocasio-Cortez said, using a term coined for the Bronx.

“This is for us,” she added.

In February Ocasio-Cortez said she still kept an address in the Bronx. She told TMZ on Tuesday that she recently went past the famous stairs on her way to an office.

Watch the full interview above.

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