Max Miller Faces Intensifying Political and Legal Battles Amidst Abuse Allegations

The re-election campaign of Trump-endorsed Republican Congressman Max Miller has entered a new phase of intensity, embroiled in both political attacks and legal challenges stemming from domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno.

A recent political advertisement released by his Democratic opponent, Brian Poindexter, features a police officer reading a list of allegations against Miller, asserting that he "does not belong in power." These claims, many of which were initially reported by the Daily Mail, detail accusations of abuse leveled by Moreno.

Miller has vehemently denied all allegations of abuse made by Moreno. However, the increasing focus on these claims has tightened the race, prompting the Cook Political Report to reclassify the contest from "likely Republican" to "toss up" in early August.

In response to the attack ad, Miller's attorney, Alejandro Brito, sent a cease-and-desist letter to local Ohio news outlet WKWY, requesting the ad be pulled due to what he described as "false, malicious, and defamatory statements." Poindexter countered the legal threat in a subsequent video, stating that Miller was attempting to suppress the "facts" and that his family members express concern about Miller's custody of their child.

Moreno's father, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio, publicly called for Miller's resignation in August, stating that his former son-in-law is a danger to his daughter and granddaughter. Miller has also faced accusations from his ex-girlfriend, former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham, which led to a defamation lawsuit filed by Miller in late 2021. That lawsuit was eventually resolved through a confidential settlement that included a mutual non-disparagement clause.

The Daily Mail first published Moreno's abuse allegations in May, including photographs of injuries she claimed were inflicted by Miller. While Miller has denied Moreno's allegations, he has previously admitted to using illegal drugs. Audio recordings between Miller and Moreno, released by Miller himself, include Moreno accusing him of drug use, which she cited as a reason for leaving their marriage. Miller denied these drug use claims in the recordings but later admitted to taking testosterone therapy in an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper. This admission followed Tapper's questions about photographs of needles allegedly found by Miller's bedside, which the Daily Mail had also published.

In a lengthy video statement, Miller accused Moreno of struggling with significant mental health challenges, a claim disputed by her spokesperson. Ohio's other GOP Senator, John Husted, also called for Miller to resign from Congress in August, suggesting it would be in the best interest of his daughter. Miller has not withdrawn from the race and maintains his innocence.

Neither Miller's legal team nor his political campaign has responded to requests for comment from the Daily Mail.