A prominent New York attorney has stepped forward with serious allegations against Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, bringing his public image as a devoted spouse into question during a critical election period.
According to Daily Mail, the woman, identified only as "Jane," claims Emhoff physically assaulted her during a celebrity event in France in 2012, before his marriage to Vice President Kamala Harris.
The incident allegedly occurred outside the Hotel du Cap in Antibes during the amfAR gala dinner, where Jane says Emhoff slapped her with such force that she spun around while wearing high heels and a full-length gown. The altercation reportedly stemmed from Emhoff's reaction to Jane offering a valet $100 for expedited service in a long taxi line around 3 AM.
The couple met through Match.com in 2012 and dated for several months. Their first date took an unusual turn when Emhoff invited his son Cole to join them at a hotel near Times Square. Jane describes an intense courtship during which Emhoff discussed marriage and children within weeks of meeting, even expressing a willingness to relocate to London for her career opportunity.
During a drive in Santa Monica, Emhoff allegedly revealed to Jane that he had previously had an affair with his daughter's teacher and part-time nanny, Najen Naylor. This disclosure included claims of a pregnancy and subsequent legal settlement of approximately $80,000 with an NDA. The revelation came after Jane questioned why he seemed to be on the defensive regarding his divorce.
These disclosures were made while Emhoff was still dealing with the aftermath of his divorce from his first wife, Kerstin, who had filed for divorce in June 2009. The relationship with Jane progressed rapidly despite these complications, leading to their fateful trip to France.
Jane shared her account of the alleged assault, stating:
He slaps me so hard I spin around, and I'm in utter shock. There had been no fight, no argument. It had been a completely fantastic event. I am so furious. The only thing I could think to do was slap him back. I slapped him on one side, and on the other cheek with the other hand.
The aftermath of the incident was equally troubling, with Emhoff forcing his way into the taxi despite Jane's attempts to leave alone. She immediately called a businessman friend in New York to document what had happened, a call that was confirmed by the friend to Daily Mail.
Multiple sources have come forward to corroborate various aspects of Jane's story. Two friends confirmed hearing about the incident immediately after it occurred, while a third was told in 2018. Documentary evidence, including travel itineraries and emails, supports Jane's account of their relationship and presence in France.
Former colleagues at Venable law firm have also shared accounts of inappropriate behavior and misogynistic attitudes, painting a picture that contrasts sharply with Emhoff's current public image as a feminist ally and supportive spouse to the Vice President.
The White House and Harris campaign have maintained silence on these allegations, while Emhoff's spokesperson issued a brief denial to Semafor on October 3, stating that "any suggestion that he would or has ever hit a woman is false."
Jane's decision to come forward was prompted by what she describes as Emhoff's continued portrayal of himself as a champion of women's rights while campaigning alongside Vice President Harris. Her account, supported by multiple witnesses and documents, challenges the carefully crafted image of the Second Gentleman.
The revelations come at a crucial time as Harris leads the Democratic presidential campaign, with polls showing a deadlocked race with Trump. The allegations have added another layer of complexity to an already challenging campaign season, raising questions about vetting processes and public accountability. The story continues to develop as more witnesses come forward and pressure mounts for a more detailed response from Emhoff's team.
