Sen. Bernie Moreno publicly rebuked reporters after being asked why he delayed condemning his son-in-law, Rep. Max Miller, following domestic abuse allegations made by Moreno's daughter. Emily Moreno alleges multiple instances of physical and emotional abuse; Miller denies the claims and has filed a defamation suit. Moreno initially said "I don't know" about Miller's fitness for office, then issued a stronger statement urging psychological help and saying Miller "should not serve." Reporters from Semafor, CNN and NBC relayed Moreno's profanity-laced response and his description of the matter as a personal, "grotesque" family situation.
Sen. Bernie Moreno Swears At Reporters After Delay In Denouncing Son-In-Law Following Abuse Allegations
Associated Press
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) snapped at reporters on Monday after being asked why he waited to publicly distance himself from his son-in-law, Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), following domestic abuse allegations made by Moreno's daughter.
Timeline
Last week: Emily Moreno accused her ex-husband, Rep. Max Miller, of a pattern of physical and emotional abuse during their marriage. Her allegations include being doused with hot water, having a gun held to her head, being shoved into a wall, and an injury to the couple's child described as a fractured collarbone. Miller has strongly denied the allegations and has filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife.
Friday: When asked by a NOTUS reporter whether Miller was fit to run for reelection, Sen. Moreno replied, "I don't know."
Sunday: Moreno issued a fuller statement calling the situation "horrific," describing Miller's behavior as "increasingly erratic and dangerous," recommending "serious psychological help," and saying the congressman "should not serve in the House of Representatives."
Monday: Speaking with reporters, Moreno objected to questions about the timing of his public response. Semafor's Burgess Everett and NBC's Frank Thorp V reported that Moreno responded angrily to a question from CNN's Ellis Kim about why the statement was delayed.
What Was Said
According to reporting by NBC's Frank Thorp V, Moreno told a reporter, "You know, I hope you never have to go through a situation like this, and you wouldn't ask that kind of f***ing question."
When asked why Miller has not followed his advice to resign, Moreno reportedly said, "You'll have to ask him," and added, "Look, guys, this is about my personal family situation," calling the episode "grotesque."
Context and Sources
The exchanges were relayed by Semafor, NBC and CNN and first summarized by Mediaite. Reporters noted Moreno's frustration with questions about the pace of his response to his daughter's allegations. Miller continues to deny the claims and is pursuing legal action against his ex-wife.
Why This Matters
The episode raises questions about how public officials respond to allegations involving family members and how quickly they distance themselves from colleagues accused of serious misconduct. It also highlights the friction between reporters pursuing accountability and family members seeking privacy in sensitive situations.
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