Key facts
- Republican Congressman Max Miller is facing calls for resignation over domestic abuse allegations.
- His ex-wife, Emily Moreno, testified that Miller threw hot water at her and held a gun to her head.
- Miller's former girlfriend, Stephanie Grisham, also accused him of abuse.
- Miller has denied all allegations.
- The gun violence prevention group Giffords has called for Miller's resignation.
Republican Congressman Max Miller is facing mounting pressure to resign from his Ohio seat due to domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and former girlfriend, Stephanie Grisham. Miller, who represents Ohio's seventh congressional district, has denied the accusations.
Moreno, a conservative policy adviser with whom Miller shares a two-year-old daughter, has detailed alleged incidents including Miller throwing hot water at her and holding a gun to her head. These claims were made during a custody battle and a defamation lawsuit Miller filed against her. Moreno also stated Miller regularly spoke to her in an aggressive and demeaning manner.
Miller responded to Moreno's allegations in June, calling them false and noting that no police reports were filed. He also claimed Moreno's father, Senator Bernie Moreno, was enabling his daughter's "malicious campaign" despite knowledge of her mental health issues. A spokesperson for Senator Moreno stated his priority is his daughter and granddaughter's safety.
Stephanie Grisham, who served as White House press secretary, also accused Miller of abuse, describing a relationship that "turned abusive" with a former partner who was "physical." While she did not initially name Miller, he later confirmed the op-ed referred to him. Miller had sued Grisham for defamation, but the suit was settled confidentially. Grisham has since filed a new lawsuit alleging Miller violated the settlement terms.
Miller's Democratic opponent, Brian Poindexter, stated that if the allegations are true, Miller should be in jail. The gun violence prevention group Giffords has called for Miller's resignation, with executive director Emma Brown stating that Congress has no place for "violent abusers."