Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema acknowledged an affair with her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel, in a court filing responding to an “alienation of affection” lawsuit filed in North Carolina. The lawsuit was initiated by Ammel’s estranged wife, who accused Sinema of intentionally interfering in their marriage.
Details of the Affair and Legal Arguments
Sinema, who served as a senator from Arizona between 2019 and 2025, admitted to a “romantic and intimate” relationship that began in May 2024 while Ammel was still married. The relationship included phone calls, emails, and messages exchanged across various U.S. cities, including Sonoma, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Sinema’s court filing does not contest the nature of the affair but argues for dismissal on jurisdictional grounds, stating that the alleged conduct occurred outside North Carolina.
Legal Context of the Alienation of Affection Lawsuit
North Carolina is among six states that still recognize alienation of affection claims, which require plaintiffs to demonstrate that a valid marriage with genuine affection existed, that the affection was significantly harmed, and that the defendant’s actions caused the destruction of the marital relationship. Ammel’s wife seeks $25,000 in damages based on accusations of Sinema’s “willful and wanton” interference.
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