In brief
Kyrsten Sinema has confirmed having a romantic relationship with her bodyguard while serving in the Senate. This follows allegations from the bodyguard's ex-wife, Heather Ammel, who has filed a lawsuit claiming Sinema's involvement led to the breakdown of their marriage. The lawsuit seeks damages under North Carolina’s alienation of affection laws, asserting that Sinema knowingly pursued Matthew Ammel despite his marital status. Sinema's legal team argues that her conduct is not connected to North Carolina and that she was not responsible for the marital issues.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Kyrsten Sinema, the former U.S. Senator from Arizona, is facing a lawsuit from the ex-wife of a bodyguard with whom she was romantically involved during her time in office. The lawsuit, filed in North Carolina, alleges that Sinema's actions contributed to the breakdown of the marriage between Matthew Ammel and Heather Ammel.
Heather Ammel claims they had a loving relationship that was disrupted by Sinema's pursuit of Matthew, despite her knowledge that he was married. Sinema, in legal documents, confirms that her relationship with Matthew Ammel became intimate over several months, beginning in May 2024, leading to the couple's separation later that year.
In North Carolina, individuals can sue third parties for 'alienation of affection,' a law that allows jilted spouses to seek financial damages for the disruption caused to their marriage. Sinema's declaration in the lawsuit counters Heather Ammel's allegations, asserting that she only communicated with Matthew after his marital relationship was already strained and that her involvement was not substantial enough to incur liability.
Sinema's legal representatives argue that her conduct does not link her to North Carolina meaningfully and that the communications in question did not significantly impact the Ammels' marriage. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent regarding the boundaries of such romantic engagements involving public figures.
Sinema, after leaving the Senate, decided against seeking re-election and is currently working with a Washington-based legal and lobbying firm following her departure from the Democratic Party to become an independent.
