US Representative Max Miller is facing renewed scrutiny after his former wife, Emily Moreno, made allegations of domestic abuse during a police interview connected to their ongoing child custody dispute. The claims, which include an allegation that Miller once pointed a gun at her head, have intensified calls for political leaders to address misconduct allegations involving public officials.
The allegations emerged after CNN obtained police footage from a February interview between Moreno and Bay Village police in Ohio. Miller, a Republican congressman representing Ohio, has denied wrongdoing and has previously taken legal action against Moreno, accusing her of defamation.
Ex-Wife Details Abuse Allegations To Police
In the police interview recordings, Moreno can be heard describing several alleged incidents of abuse. She claimed that one confrontation occurred while she was caring for their infant daughter at night.
Moreno alleged that Miller became angry after she turned on a light while changing their baby's nappy. She claimed the argument escalated, with Miller allegedly pointing a firearm at her head.
She also described another incident in which she alleged Miller became upset during a disagreement over parenting arrangements. Moreno told police that he allegedly pushed her into a wall during the confrontation, causing her to fall.
The allegations have not resulted in criminal charges against Miller, and the claims remain disputed.
NYT: Emily Moreno, the daughter of Senator Bernie Moreno, also an Ohio Republican, has said that Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) held a gun to her head; pushed her against a wall and hit her head; and fractured their daughter’s collarbone and bruised her shoulder.#OH07 https://t.co/NclBycOPmx pic.twitter.com/hT8r28z4AA
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) July 29, 2026
Custody Battle Intensifies Legal Dispute
The allegations surfaced amid a legal battle between Miller and Moreno over custody arrangements involving their daughter.
Earlier this year, Moreno requested a restraining order and asked a court to reconsider their custody agreement. Miller responded by filing a defamation lawsuit against her, alleging that her abuse claims were false. In his legal response, Miller's side questioned Moreno's credibility by raising concerns about her mental health and suggesting her allegations were influenced by those issues.
Moreno's legal team rejected the claims, arguing that references to her mental health were an attempt to discredit her statements.
The dispute also drew attention after concerns were raised over an injury involving their young daughter. According to Mother Jones, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth investigated after the child suffered a broken collarbone.
Both Miller and Moreno reportedly said they did not know how the injury happened. Miller suggested it could have resulted from a seatbelt, while medical professionals questioned the severity of the injury. Investigators ultimately did not find enough evidence to determine that the child had been abused or neglected.
Domestic Abuse Continues To Affect Millions
Domestic abuse allegations involving public figures have repeatedly raised questions about accountability, transparency and whether politicians face the same consequences as others accused of misconduct.
Research from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) estimates that millions of people in the US experience domestic violence each year. High-profile allegations involving public figures are just one part of this problem.
Advocates have long argued that people in positions of power can make it more difficult for survivors to come forward due to concerns about reputation, influence and public scrutiny.
Political figures have faced similar controversies in the past. Several elected officials across party lines have stepped down or faced calls to resign following allegations of domestic violence or misconduct. These cases have often triggered wider debates over whether political parties respond consistently when accusations involve their own members.
