Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, has admitted to having an extramarital affair during his first marriage.
According to Fox News, the affair, which involved his children's nanny, led to the breakup of his marriage to Kerstin Emhoff.
Emhoff's admission comes after a report by the Daily Mail revealed details of the affair, stating that Emhoff got his children's nanny pregnant. In a statement to CNN, Emhoff acknowledged his actions and the impact they had on his family. He emphasized that he has taken responsibility and that his family has emerged stronger as a result.
During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions. I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side.
Emhoff and his first wife, Kerstin, were married from 1992 to 2009 and share two adult children, Cole, 29, and Ella, 25. The couple co-parented their children with stepmom Kamala Harris. The affair reportedly led to the nanny, who also worked as a teacher at their children's school, leaving her job. The report indicated that the nanny did not keep the baby.
Doug Emhoff, who was an entertainment lawyer at the time, met Kamala Harris in 2013, and they married in 2014. Harris was aware of the affair before their marriage, and the Biden 2020 campaign was informed about it during the vetting process for Harris as the vice-presidential pick. Emhoff is frequently seen accompanying Harris on the campaign trail.
Emhoff’s first wife, Kerstin, has publicly commented on their past and current family dynamics. In a statement to CNN, she reflected on their decision to end the marriage and praised Emhoff as a father and friend. The couple has maintained a warm and supportive blended family with Harris.
Doug and I decided to end our marriage for a variety of reasons, many years ago. He is a great father to our kids, continues to be a great friend to me and I am really proud of the warm and supportive blended family Doug, Kamala and I have built together.
The affair had significant personal and professional repercussions for Emhoff and the nanny. She had to leave her position at The Willows, an elite private elementary school in Culver City, California, where she also taught the Emhoff children. Despite the scandal, Emhoff and his ex-wife have managed to co-parent effectively and maintain a positive relationship.
The revelation of the affair has not significantly impacted Emhoff’s role as the second gentleman. He continues to support Harris in her political career, often seen by her side during campaign events. The Biden campaign’s prior knowledge of the affair suggests that it was not considered a disqualifying factor for Harris's candidacy.
Emhoff’s acknowledgment of the affair and the steps he has taken to address it publicly demonstrate a commitment to transparency. This openness has helped to mitigate potential backlash and maintain public trust. The supportive statements from his first wife also contribute to a narrative of reconciliation and growth.
The affair and its aftermath have been a challenging chapter in Emhoff's life, but his ability to navigate these difficulties has been notable. The continued cooperation and mutual respect between Emhoff, Kerstin, and Harris are indicative of their successful efforts to prioritize family harmony.
Doug Emhoff’s admission of an extramarital affair during his first marriage has brought to light the complexities of his personal life. Despite the challenges, Emhoff and his family have worked through the issues and have emerged stronger. His public acknowledgment and the supportive statements from his ex-wife, Kerstin, highlight their commitment to maintaining a positive family dynamic. Emhoff continues to play a supportive role in Kamala Harris’s political career, demonstrating resilience and transparency in the face of past mistakes.
