In brief
Kyrsten Sinema, the former senator from Arizona, is being sued by Heather Ammel, the ex-wife of her bodyguard Matthew Ammel, who claims Sinema's affair with her husband contributed to their marriage breakdown. Legal documents reveal that Sinema acknowledges the romantic relationship but argues that she should not be held liable for the marriage's demise. The lawsuit has raised questions about the implications of 'alienation of affection' laws in North Carolina while Sinema's attorneys maintain her conduct does not connect her significantly to the state.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema has acknowledged a romantic relationship with her security detail member, which began during her tenure as a lawmaker. Currently, she is facing a lawsuit from the ex-wife of Matthew Ammel, who seeks damages alleging that Sinema's involvement was a factor in the breakdown of their marriage.
The lawsuit has been filed in a North Carolina federal court, targeting Sinema for what Heather Ammel describes as an intrusion into their relationship. She argues that Sinema pursued her husband knowing he was married, affecting their previously loving marriage.
Sinema's declaration filed in court states that her romantic relationship with Matthew Ammel became intimate by late May 2024, after which they were physically involved over several months across various states including California and New York. The Ammels separated later that year.
North Carolina is among states permitting lawsuits for 'alienation of affection', where a spouse claims damages from a third party responsible for their marital discord.
In her response to the lawsuit, Sinema's representatives rejected Heather Ammel's claims, stating that any alleged communications between Sinema and her husband occurred after he had already moved out and that the relationship did not establish a significant link to North Carolina.
Allegations include that Sinema sent romantic messages to Ammel while he was still in North Carolina, an assertion contested by her legal team, which argues that these communications did not contribute to the end of the marriage.
Additionally, the lawsuit notes that Sinema's professional ties with Ammel began when he was hired as her bodyguard after retiring from the Army in 2022. When Heather Ammel discovered the nature of their communications in early 2024, this precipitated a series of distressing events leading up to the couple's separation.
The case highlights the complex intersections of personal affairs and professional boundaries within the political sphere. Sinema, who did not seek reelection in 2024, has transitioned to a role at a legal and lobbying firm in Washington.
