Former US Senator Kyrsten Sinema has admitted to having a relationship with her former bodyguard while she was still in office. The disclosure came in a court filing in North Carolina, where she is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the bodyguard’s estranged wife.
The case has drawn attention not only because of Sinema’s political profile, but also because it involves a rare type of lawsuit known as “alienation of affection,” sometimes informally called a “homewrecker” claim.
What Kyrsten Sinema Admitted in Court
Kyrsten Sinema served in the US Senate from 2019 to 2025. In a recent court motion, she acknowledged having a relationship with her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel.
The admission was made as part of her request to dismiss a lawsuit filed in North Carolina by Ammel’s estranged wife. According to court documents, Sinema admitted that the relationship took place while Ammel was still legally married.
The lawsuit seeks $25,000 in damages and accuses Sinema of intentionally interfering in the marriage.
What Is an ‘Alienation of Affection’ Lawsuit?
An “alienation of affection” lawsuit allows a spouse to sue a third party for allegedly breaking up their marriage.
Only six US states still recognise this type of claim, including North Carolina.
To win such a case, the person filing the lawsuit must prove three key points:
| Legal Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| A loving marriage existed | The couple had genuine affection before the third party’s involvement |
| Love was destroyed | The relationship was seriously damaged |
| Direct responsibility | The third party caused that damage |
These cases are difficult to win because the burden of proof is high.
Details Mentioned in the Filing
According to the complaint, the estranged wife accused Sinema of “intentional and malicious interference” in the marriage.
The filing includes references to private messages allegedly exchanged between Sinema and Ammel. In one message, Sinema reportedly wrote that she missed holding him. Another exchange was allegedly interrupted when Ammel’s wife responded directly to Sinema, questioning whether she was involved in an affair with her husband.
These details were included in court documents as part of the legal argument.
Why North Carolina Is Important
North Carolina is one of the few states where alienation of affection lawsuits are still legally allowed. Even if the couple does not live in the state permanently, cases can sometimes be filed there if certain legal conditions are met.
Because most states have abolished such lawsuits, North Carolina has become known for being one of the last places where these claims are still actively pursued.
Sinema’s Legal Strategy
In her motion to dismiss, Sinema is arguing that the case should not move forward. Legal experts say possible grounds for dismissal in such cases can include:
- Lack of proper jurisdiction
- Insufficient evidence
- Failure to meet legal requirements for alienation claims
It will now be up to the court to decide whether the lawsuit can proceed.
Political and Public Reaction
Sinema left the Senate earlier this year after serving one term. While the lawsuit concerns her personal life rather than official duties, the case has attracted public attention due to her former position as a US senator.
So far, the matter remains a civil case, not a criminal one.
The lawsuit involving former Senator Kyrsten Sinema highlights how rare but still active “alienation of affection” laws can bring deeply personal matters into public courtrooms. While Sinema has acknowledged having a relationship with her former bodyguard, the legal question now is whether that relationship meets the strict standards required under North Carolina law.
These cases are difficult to prove, as plaintiffs must show clear evidence that a third party directly caused the breakdown of a loving marriage. As the court reviews the motion to dismiss, the case serves as a reminder that certain outdated but still valid legal provisions can create unexpected legal and public consequences, especially when public figures are involved.
