Ohio Congressman Max Miller has vehemently denied allegations of domestic abuse and child abuse made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and is engaged in a public dispute with her father, Senator Bernie Moreno, who has called for Miller's resignation.
Miller addressed the accusations in a livestream, calling them untrue and political attacks intended to obscure a scandal involving Senator Moreno. Emily Moreno had applied for a restraining order amid a legal battle, and details of the alleged abuse were first revealed by The Daily Mail in May. Miller stated he would provide evidence to prove his innocence.
"I have never abused our daughter," Miller declared during his livestream. "I categorically deny abusing my former wife." He suggested that if the accusations were true, he would be in jail.
Senator Moreno, in response, posted on X that his former son-in-law "needs serious psychological help" and is "a danger to my daughter" and granddaughter. He urged Miller to step down from Congress, stating Miller fails "any basic standards of character required to hold elected office."
Moreno did not specify the nature of the scandal he alluded to, though reports indicate he faced questions about a past advertisement on Adult Friend Finder. Miller countered that Moreno's statement was an attempt to hide his own "media circus."
Stefan Mychajliw, a spokesperson for Emily Moreno, called Miller's livestream "shameful" and stated there is "a documented trove of evidence that Miller has a history of violent and dangerous behavior."
Donald Trump, whom Miller previously worked for and who endorsed Senator Moreno in 2024, said he would be looking into the allegations. "I'm gonna look at it. I mean, so far, it's accusations. I'll be looking at it," Trump told reporters.
Reports detail allegations dating back to at least June 9, 2024, including an incident where Miller allegedly hurled a pot of boiling water at Emily during an argument, with their then eight-month-old daughter present. Emily documented injuries that appeared to show redness on her chest. Miller has described this as "horseplay."
Another alleged attack occurred on February 1, when Miller reportedly grabbed and struck Emily during a custody exchange, leaving bruises on her arm, elbow, and torso while their two-year-old daughter watched. Miller released video of the custody exchange, which appears to show a calm departure.
Miller also referenced a June 9 incident where Emily Moreno inquired about a mark on their daughter's neck. Miller explained it was from finger painting and provided images of the activity. He stated their daughter was taken to the hospital, and documents he released showed images of the finger painting session.
An investigation by Bay Village police into suspected child abuse involving the couple's two-year-old daughter, who had a broken collarbone and bruised shoulder, was reported in April. Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services also launched a separate investigation, according to TMZ. Miller claimed in a court filing that he was "apparently cleared" by authorities, though police investigations are technically listed as active.
In March, Emily Moreno filed a motion seeking a change in their custody arrangement, accusing Miller of "dangerous physical behavior in the child's presence."
Miller also accused his ex-wife of having "significant mental health challenges," which he stated are medically diagnosed, while expressing hope that she receives care and support.
Miller's past has also seen allegations from former partners, including Stephanie Grisham, former Trump White House Press Secretary, who accused him of abuse. Miller filed a libel suit against Grisham in 2021, which was later dismissed.
Miller stated in his livestream that he is not withdrawing from his congressional race and intends to win in November. He and Emily Moreno reached a divorce settlement in June 2025, agreeing to joint custody and $2,500 per month in child support from Miller. Moreno filed a restraining order on behalf of her attorney on Thursday.
In his livestream, Miller shared documents, photos, and videos he believes address the allegations. The materials were temporarily offline after being released but were then restored. Miller noted these documents were produced by his personal attorneys and paid for by him directly.