Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema testified that she received a text message from the wife of her bodyguard, inquiring if she was having an affair with her husband. The message, received on Oct. 3, 2024, reportedly read, "Are you having an affair with my husband?"
Sinema, 50, admitted to having a sexual relationship with the bodyguard, identified as Matthew Ammel, in multiple cities beginning in May 2024. She stated she did not respond to the confrontational text message.
Heather Ammel, the bodyguard's wife, testified that Sinema "groomed" her husband, who was reportedly struggling with depression. Heather Ammel described feeling "powerless" as her marriage disintegrated, stating, "It’s me against a United States senator who has power and money. And she had her hook in him."
Heather Ammel is suing Sinema for alienation of affection, a legal claim permitted in North Carolina under its "homewrecker law," which allows individuals to sue a third party for interfering in their marriage. Sinema has sought to move the case to federal court, arguing that the alleged affair occurred outside of North Carolina. Heather Ammel is seeking over $75,000 in damages.