Second gentleman Doug Emhoff has denied allegations made in a Daily Mail report that he slapped a former girlfriend during a 2012 trip to the Cannes Film Festival. The report, based on accounts from three unnamed sources, claimed that Emhoff slapped his then-girlfriend following an event in Nice, France. Emhoff's representative has refuted the claims, stating that any suggestion of him hitting a woman is false.
The Daily Mail's article relied on the recollections of the woman's friends, who provided details of the alleged incident. The sources, who chose to remain anonymous, described the events that purportedly took place during the Cannes trip, including an altercation in a valet line.
Despite repeated requests for comments, the Harris campaign, the Office of the Vice President, and Emhoff's ex-wife did not provide statements. Several media outlets have been unable to corroborate the Daily Mail's reporting, and established news organizations like the New York Times have not covered the claims.
The article detailed how the friends of the woman, identified as 'Jane,' recounted the alleged incident, claiming that Emhoff slapped her after a misunderstanding involving a valet. They stated that Jane retaliated by hitting Emhoff back and that the couple's relationship ended shortly after the trip.
Emhoff's alleged past affair with his family's nanny was also mentioned in the article, along with his acknowledgment of the affair during his first marriage. Emhoff, who married Vice President Kamala Harris in 2014, has been praised for his supportive role and advocacy for women's rights.
The Daily Mail's report comes just weeks before the upcoming election, where Harris will face former President Trump. Emhoff's personal history and the allegations made in the article have sparked discussions on social media and in the media.
