Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, has garnered attention from Democratic politicians and progressive media for promoting a concept of “new masculinity” in America. However, allegations surfaced on Wednesday regarding a past incident where Emhoff allegedly assaulted an ex-girlfriend during a drunken encounter in 2012.
According to reports from The Daily Mail, Emhoff is accused of slapping a former girlfriend in Cannes, France, after he suspected she was flirting with another man. This incident reportedly took place following a gala event and raises questions about Emhoff’s advocacy for women’s rights, a role he has embraced as the Second Gentleman.
Earlier this year, Emhoff received praise from Maine Democrats during a visit to a Portland abortion clinic. In an August interview, he also admitted to having an extramarital affair while married to his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff, which involved their daughter’s teacher and nanny. Reports suggest that the affair resulted in a pregnancy, though the woman did not carry the child to term, and the details surrounding this decision remain unclear.
The ex-girlfriend, referred to as “Jane” to protect her identity, allegedly spoke about the incident shortly after it occurred. Three of her friends, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed her account, stating that she was visibly upset after Emhoff struck her with force, following his accusation of flirting. The couple had attended an AIDS charity gala before the alleged incident occurred while they were waiting for transportation.
These claims stand in stark contrast to Emhoff’s public persona as a champion of gender equality and women’s rights, frequently appearing alongside Harris to emphasize his commitment to addressing issues like “toxic masculinity.” The alleged incident took place prior to his marriage to Harris, which occurred in 2014.
Emhoff has yet to respond to these latest allegations.