Kamala Harris, the former Vice President and trailblazer as the first woman and first person of color to hold the role, has reportedly turned to her husband, Doug Emhoff, as the target of her frustration following her crushing loss in the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump. While Harris’s supporters had high hopes for her campaign, the election’s outcome has led to introspection, speculation, and, apparently, a blame game.
A Tense Moment Amid Defeat
On January 17, as Harris wrapped up her duties and signed her ceremonial desk – a long-standing tradition among vice presidents – her demeanor reflected both disappointment and resolve. With Doug Emhoff standing behind her, cameras captured a photo that has since become symbolic of her post-election narrative.
“It’s not my nature to go quietly into the night,” Harris told reporters. She hinted at plans to remain in public life, leaving many to wonder what’s next for the 60-year-old political figure. But behind the scenes, reports suggest tension in her personal life, particularly with her husband of nearly a decade.
The Blame Game: Harris Targets Doug Emhoff
Sources close to Harris allege that she views her husband, Doug Emhoff, as “dead weight” in her campaign. A recent Daily Mail report quoted a source claiming, “Doug did Kamala no favors during the election.” The allegations against Emhoff go beyond campaign-related shortcomings. His past controversies and alleged scandals have resurfaced, overshadowing Harris’s efforts to connect with voters and focus on her platform.
Doug Emhoff, 59, is a prominent lawyer and entertainment litigator who gained public recognition as Harris’s supportive husband. However, his personal and professional history, including alleged affairs, inappropriate workplace behavior, and controversial incidents, has come under scrutiny.
The Scandals Surrounding Doug Emhoff
Doug Emhoff’s controversies range from personal to professional. Reports have emerged alleging an affair with his daughter’s nanny, Najen Naylor, during his first marriage to film producer Kerstin Mackin. It’s said that Emhoff paid Naylor $80,000 in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement. These allegations reportedly played a role in his 2009 divorce.
Another disturbing claim surfaced from a former girlfriend, who alleged that Emhoff slapped her during an event in Cannes, France, in 2012. Emhoff has acknowledged past indiscretions, stating, “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.”
Emhoff also faced criticism during his tenure at the Los Angeles law firm Venable, where former colleagues described a work culture of misogyny. Allegations included hosting male-only cocktail hours, yelling expletives, and showing favoritism toward young, attractive associates. These claims, though unproven, have added fuel to the narrative that Emhoff’s presence may have been more of a liability than an asset to Harris’s campaign.
A Marriage Under the Microscope
Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris married in 2014, blending their lives and families. Harris became stepmother to Emhoff’s two children from his first marriage, Cole and Ella. The couple’s relationship has often been portrayed as a modern love story, with Emhoff leaving his law career to support Harris during her vice presidency.
However, recent reports suggest cracks in their seemingly strong bond. During public appearances, including at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, observers noted tension between the two. With Emhoff reportedly signing up for a job with a New York law firm, the couple may soon split their time between New York and Los Angeles, potentially adding further strain to their relationship.
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