Former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is admitting to having an affair with a North Carolina man, but argues that because their relationship was consummated elsewhere, his wife has no right to sue.
North Carolina is one of few states with an “alienation of affection” law, that allows a wronged party to seek damages when they can prove someone lured away their spouse. As recently as November, a a TikTok influencer was ordered to pay nearly $2 million after an affair with her Durham-based manager.
Sinema, a Democrat from Arizona, admitted in new federal court filings to having a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, Matthew Ammel, a Moore County resident. However, her legal team argues that because the affair occurred in several different states but not North Carolina, the case should not be tried under the state’s laws.
Ammel’s wife, Heather Ammel, is suing under North Carolina’s “Alienation of Affection” law. She claims Sinema of intentionally seduced her husband, knowing he was married.
Most alienation of affection cases are settled out of court. Those that proceed to trial are known for judgments in the multiple millions of dollars.