Kyrsten Sinema Acknowledges Relationship with Ex-Bodyguard Amid "Alienation of Affection" Lawsuit
Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema has acknowledged a romantic and intimate relationship with her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel, in a court filing. This admission comes as part of a motion to dismiss an "alienation of affection" lawsuit filed against her in North Carolina by Ammel's estranged wife.
The Lawsuit Details
The complaint alleges Sinema engaged in "intentional and malicious interference" in Ammel's marriage. It seeks $25,000 in damages for allegedly "willful and wanton" conduct.
Sinema's motion to dismiss and her sworn declaration do not dispute the nature of the relationship. However, she argues the case should be dropped because the communications central to the claim occurred "exclusively outside" North Carolina.
Sinema's motion argues the case should be dismissed because the communications in question occurred "exclusively outside" North Carolina.
Relationship Timeline and Communications
The relationship between Sinema and Ammel reportedly began in May 2024 in Sonoma, California. It involved months of phone calls, emails, and Signal messages, along with romantic relations in various U.S. cities.
In June 2024, a significant communication was noted. Sinema sent a Signal message to Ammel stating, "I keep waking up during my sleep and reaching over for your arms to hold me." This message was sent from Scottsdale, Arizona, and received by Ammel in Kansas.
Later that fall, an exchange between Sinema and Ammel via Signal was reportedly interrupted. Ammel's estranged wife allegedly messaged Sinema directly, stating: "Are you having an affair with my husband? You took a married man away from his family."
Understanding "Alienation of Affection" Lawsuits
Only six states, including North Carolina, currently recognize "alienation of affection" lawsuits. For a plaintiff to succeed in such a lawsuit, they must prove three key elements:
- The marriage had genuine affection and a viable relationship prior to any third-party involvement.
- This "love and affection" was destroyed or significantly diminished.
- The defendant directly caused the destruction of that marital love and affection.