A contentious child custody battle between Ohio Rep. Max Miller and his ex-wife, Emily Moreno — daughter of Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno — is unfolding publicly, with both sides accusing each other of harmful actions. The dispute has intensified with allegations of abuse, claims of mental health issues, and accusations of a malicious campaign to destroy reputations.
Allegations of Abuse and Counterclaims
The custody battle, which has been ongoing since the couple’s divorce, has now become the subject of a public war of words.
In response to new allegations published by the Daily Mail, which PEOPLE has not independently verified, Miller denied accusations that he had abused his ex-wife and their young child.
He accused Moreno of funding “a malicious campaign to ruin my life” and questioned her mental health.
Miller also posted on social media on Friday, May 8, asserting that his ex-wife’s behavior has become increasingly “confrontational, irrational, and somewhat bizarre.”
He further accused her of causing harm to their child with her actions and called on her father, Sen. Bernie Moreno, to reconsider supporting her in such behavior, saying it was harming his grandchild.
Court records reportedly show that Miller has filed a motion for psychological evaluations in the ongoing custody case. In it, Miller claims that his ex-wife’s behavior since their divorce has become erratic and damaging to their child’s well-being.
Moreno’s Allegations of Abuse
Emily Moreno, in her motion, has painted a very different picture. She alleges that Miller has spoken to her in an “inappropriate, aggressive and demeaning manner.”
She further accuses him of engaging in “dangerous physical behavior in the child’s presence,” which she claims poses a risk to their child. While these claims have not been verified, they have become central to the custody dispute.
Despite the highly public nature of the case, Senator Bernie Moreno, Emily’s father, has not publicly commented on the allegations or responded to the claims made by his former son-in-law.
Miller’s Response and Public Defense
Miller strongly rejected the allegations in the Daily Mail report, calling them “nothing but lies.” On Thursday, May 8, he posted several videos, text message transcripts, and email screenshots on social media, which he claims refute the accusations of abuse.
In his post, Miller also stated that his ex-wife needed help, writing, “She is more focused on hurting me than loving our child.”
He added that he understood the struggles of others going through a difficult divorce, showing empathy toward others who might be dealing with similar situations.
Police Investigation and Prior Lawsuits
In addition to the ongoing custody battle, Miller faces an open investigation regarding a report of child abuse. The Bay Village, Ohio, police department confirmed that they responded to the report, but no further details were released, and the investigation is still active. The police department has not yet provided further comments on the matter.
This isn’t the first time Miller has faced abuse allegations. In 2021, Miller filed a defamation lawsuit against former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, who accused him of being abusive during their romantic relationship when both worked at the White House during the Trump administration. Miller denied the allegations, and he eventually dropped the lawsuit in 2023.
Political Endorsements and Personal Struggles
Despite the personal controversies, both Miller and Senator Bernie Moreno remain influential political figures. Both have earned endorsements from former President Donald Trump, who remains a significant supporter of their political careers.
Trump, on May 5, posted a message on Truth Social, endorsing Miller for his work in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, saying, “Max Miller has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”
While the custody battle and the surrounding allegations have played out in the public eye, the political careers of both Miller and Moreno appear unaffected, with each continuing to garner support from key figures in their party.
A Family Feud in the Spotlight
The custody battle between Rep. Max Miller and Emily Moreno has quickly become a public spectacle, with both sides making serious allegations against each other. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how these claims will affect their personal and political lives.
The investigation into the abuse allegations and the ongoing custody battle could have lasting implications for their public images as they continue to navigate this high-profile dispute.
