Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, has been accused of slapping an ex-girlfriend at a gala in 2012, according to a new report. The alleged incident occurred at the Cannes Film Festival, where Emhoff, then a successful entertainment lawyer, reportedly slapped his girlfriend, a prominent New York attorney, after he believed she was flirting with a valet.
The accusations come from three of the woman’s friends, who claim she told them about the altercation shortly after it happened. According to these sources, Emhoff slapped the woman so hard that she spun around, leading to an argument that ended their relationship.
The woman, who has not been named, did not comment on the allegations. Emhoff has not responded to requests for comment on the report. This incident allegedly occurred just a year before Emhoff met Kamala Harris, whom he married in 2014.
The accusations have emerged just days after Emhoff appeared on a television interview, where he was praised for reshaping the “perception of masculinity.” The report has prompted renewed scrutiny of Emhoff’s past, particularly as he has positioned himself as an advocate for women’s rights.
The Harris campaign has yet to address the claims.