An ex-girlfriend of Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman of the United States, has come forward with serious accusations of domestic violence dating back to 2012.
Breitbart reported that back in 2012, during the Cannes Film Festival, Doug Emhoff allegedly assaulted his then-girlfriend in public, which stands in sharp contrast to his public image as a woman's rights activist and male feminist.
The incident, according to the accuser, took place in the valet line of the prestigious event, where she was interacting with a valet.
The ex-girlfriend describes a confrontation that escalated quickly, culminating in a physical assault by Emhoff.
The accuser, who remains unnamed, explained that the confrontation began when she placed her hand on the valet’s shoulder and requested expedited car service.
She claims Emhoff responded violently. “As I’m talking to him, Doug got out of the line, comes up, turns me around by my right shoulder... He slaps me so hard I spin around, and I’m in utter shock,” she recounted.
This assault, she alleges, was not an isolated incident in their relationship. It took place in a public setting, adding to her humiliation and dismay. “It’s dark. I don’t speak French, but my friends we’re with are off having an amazing time. I'm embarrassed and humiliated that, this amazing experience turned into this violent spectacle,” she added.
Her immediate reaction to Emhoff after the incident was one of disbelief. She reportedly confronted him immediately, asking, “What the hell is wrong with you? Why did you do that?” These details throw a stark contrast against Emhoff's public persona as a supporter of women’s rights and a family man.
The accuser states that she confided in two friends immediately after the incident and discussed it later with a third friend in 2018.
Her decision to come forward now has been influenced by what she perceives as a stark difference between Emhoff’s private actions and public statements.
“What’s frightening for a woman that’s been on the other end of it, is watching this completely fabricated persona being portrayed,” she said. She further criticized Emhoff’s public image, stating, “He’s being held out to be the antithesis of who he is. And that is utterly shocking.”
Further straining the credibility of Emhoff's public character are accusations involving his personal life. The accuser also brought up allegations regarding Emhoff's first marriage, claiming he had an affair with his children's nanny, which allegedly led to a pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage, purportedly under distressing circumstances.
Compounding the scandal are assertions that Emhoff may have coerced the nanny into signing a nondisclosure agreement to prevent her from discussing these matters. These claims remain unverified and add layers of complexity to the rapidly unfolding story about Emhoff’s character and personal history.
Moreover, several anonymous sources have described Emhoff’s behavior while managing a law firm in Los Angeles as misogynistic and sexist.
Allegations from these sources include preferential hiring practices, notably employing a "trophy secretary," which paints a troubling picture of the professional environment under his leadership.
The multitude of allegations emanating from different periods of Emhoff's life and career has sparked discussions about the dissonance between his private actions and his public identity. Each account, while focusing on different aspects of his behavior, shares a theme of alleged hypocrisy and mistreatment of women.
From the shocking assault at a major international event to claims of problematic behaviors and troubling private life conduct, these allegations challenge the image Emhoff has publicly cultivated. Only time will reveal the true ramifications of these claims on his career and personal life.