Embattled Ohio Rep. Max Miller has released surreptitiously recorded audio of his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, in an effort to counter her accusations of abuse. However, the recordings appear to lend credence to some of her claims, including allegations of drug use.
Miller, a Republican, publicly shared the recordings on Sunday. In the audio, Moreno can be heard accusing Miller of drug use and expressing fear, stating she found needles near his bed and took photos of them. "I truly do believe you have a drug problem," Moreno says in one recording, according to the New York Post. She also describes finding the needles as a "huge impetus for why I left."
The recordings capture a heated confrontation from August 20, 2024. Moreno questions if Miller has been recording their conversations, a claim he denies in the audio. She further alleges that he poured hot water on her, describing the incident as "actually really f
Miller, whose district was won by former President Trump by 11 points in 2024, is facing a competitive reelection bid. His ex-wife, the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), has made several accusations in court and to the police. These include allegations that Miller shoved her during a custody exchange, poured hot water on her, and put a gun to her head. Moreno's attorneys have also raised concerns about their 2-year-old daughter, who was diagnosed with a broken collarbone and a bruise resembling a handprint.
Miller has vehemently denied all accusations of abuse. In response to the audio release, a spokesperson for Moreno stated that Miller "decided to go on a bizarre and lie-filled rant about his ex-wife to desperately try to save his political career." The spokesperson added that there is a "documented trove of evidence" of Miller's alleged "violent and dangerous behavior."
In addition to his ex-wife's accusations, Miller has also faced allegations of abuse from former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, an accusation of pushing someone down stairs in high school, and a past arrest for driving under the influence.
Sen. Bernie Moreno, Max Miller's former father-in-law, has called for the congressman to seek psychological help, stating he is unworthy of serving in the House. Miller has until Wednesday to withdraw from his reelection bid, with polls indicating a close race against Democrat Brian Poindexter.
Former President Trump, when asked about the accusations on Sunday, told reporters he would "be looking at it" and that "so far it's accusations."