Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman and husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, made a public acknowledgment on Saturday regarding an extramarital affair he had during his first marriage. This revelation came after a report surfaced in a British tabloid detailing his past relationship with a teacher at his children’s school. The affair took place several years before Emhoff met and married Kamala Harris, who was the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee at the time.
According to The Daily Mail, the teacher with whom Emhoff had an affair became pregnant in 2009, but did not carry the baby to term. CBS News chose not to disclose the woman’s identity in the interest of privacy. Sources close to the woman during her relationship with Emhoff revealed that the pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. It was clarified that although Emhoff was legally married to his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff, at the time of the affair, they were separated.
Contrary to the Daily Mail’s report, the woman was not employed as a nanny for the Emhoff children. Instead, she worked as a teacher at their school, although she was not teaching either of their children when the relationship with Emhoff occurred. In a statement provided to CBS News, Emhoff expressed remorse for the impact of his actions on his first marriage. He took responsibility for the situation and emphasized that he and his ex-wife had worked through their difficulties as a family and emerged stronger.
Emhoff, who had a career as an entertainment lawyer before assuming his role as second gentleman, shares two adult children, Ella and Cole, with his former wife. Kerstin Emhoff also released a statement affirming that the decision to end their marriage was made mutually years ago. She commended Doug for his dedication as a father to their children and acknowledged the positive relationship they maintain as friends. The couple’s divorce was finalized in late 2010, following Kerstin’s filing in 2009.
Notably, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign declined to comment on the matter. It was reported that Harris was aware of Emhoff’s affair before they got married in 2014. The information was also disclosed to individuals involved in the vetting process for Harris as the vice-presidential candidate in 2020. Harris and Emhoff met in 2013, and while they do not have children together, they have formed a close bond with Emhoff’s adult children. Ella and Cole affectionately refer to Harris as “Mamala,” highlighting the familial dynamic they have established.
The relationship between Harris and Emhoff has been well-documented, with Harris even officiating Cole’s wedding in the past year. Their blended family has been a source of admiration for many, showcasing the strong bonds they have forged despite the challenges they have faced. The support and understanding within their family unit have been evident throughout their public appearances and interactions.
In conclusion, Doug Emhoff’s admission of his past affair sheds light on a personal chapter in his life that predates his current role as the second gentleman. The transparency and accountability demonstrated by Emhoff and his former wife, Kerstin, underscore the importance of addressing difficult situations with honesty and integrity. The resilience of their family unit, along with the support of Vice President Kamala Harris, exemplifies the strength that can emerge from navigating challenges together. As they continue to navigate the public spotlight, Emhoff and Harris remain committed to their shared values and the bonds that unite them as a family.
