¶ Overview
- Last June, Miller accused someone of running him off the road, threatening his life and that of his family, and shouting antisemitic remarks at him. As a result of Miller’s accusation, Hamdan’s place of work was raided and he was charged with ethnic intimidation and aggravated menacing. During the proceedings, Hamdan’s legal team presented Hamdan’s footage of the incident, ODOT surveillance footage, data from Hamdan’s Tesla, and testimony from an acoustic expert that contradicted claims of Miller’s account. Hamdan later pleaded guilty to lesser charges then sued Miller for defamation. Miller recently filed legal papers that accused Hamdan of a premeditated antisemitic attack and of conspiring to fake evidence. The case is ongoing.
- Miller has had a contentious legal history with his ex-wife. In August 2024, Miller filed for divorce from Emily Moreno Miller. The couple eventually reached a settlement before the case went to trial where Miller had subpoenaed Moreno Miller’s father Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno to testify. The settlement included a joint custody agreement that his ex-wife recently requested to change after she alleged Miller spoke to her in an aggressive and demeaning manner and conducted dangerous physical behavior in the presence of their daughter.
- In October 2021, Stephanie Grisham wrote an opinion piece alleging an abusive relationship she had with another member of White House staff. She claimed she told both Donald and Melania Trump about the abuse and they did nothing to help her. Shortly after the op-ed was published Miller filed a defamation suit against Grisham. Two years later, he voluntarily dropped the lawsuit after both parties came to an agreement.
¶ Miller Accused Someone Of Running Him Off The Road And Threatening His Life But Was Later Sued For Defamation By The Same Person Who Presented Evidence That Contradicted Miller’s Account Of The Event
¶ JUNE 19, 2025: MILLER CLAIMED HE WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD AND THE LIFE OF HIM AND HIS FAMILY WAS THREATENED
¶ In The Immediate Aftermath Of The Alleged Incident Between Miller and Hamdan, Miller Posted A Recounting Of The Events To His Personal Twitter
June 19, 2025: Miller Claimed He Was “Run Off The Road In Rocky River, And The Life Of Me And My Family Was Threatened By A Person Who Proceeded To Throw A Palestinian Flag Out The Window Of Their Vehicle Before Taking Off.” According to Max Miller’s Twitter, “The deranged hatred in this country has gotten out of control. Today I was run off the road in Rocky River, and the life of me and my family was threatened by a person who proceeded to throw a Palestinian flag out the window of their vehicle before taking off. I have filed a police report with Capitol Police and the local police department. We know who this person is and he will face justice. As a Marine, a proud Jewish American and a staunch defender of Israel, I will not hide in the face of this blatant antisemitic violence.”
[Twitter, @MaxMillerOH, 6/19/25]
Six Minutes Later Miller Edited The Tweet To Say He Was Run Off The Road By A Person Who “Proceeded To Show A Palestinian Flag Before Taking Off.” According to his Twitter account, Max Miller edited the tweet at 3:16pm, six minutes after it was posted, and changed what was originally written as “threatened by a person who proceeded to throw a Palestinian flag out the window of their vehicle before taking off” to say “threatened by a person who proceeded to show a Palestinian flag before taking off.” After 3:16PM, the tweet read “The deranged hatred in this country has gotten out of control. Today I was run off the road in Rocky River, and the life of me and my family was threatened by a person who proceeded to show a Palestinian flag before taking off. I have filed a police report with Capitol Police and the local police department. We know who this person is and he will face justice. As a Marine, a proud Jewish American and a staunch defender of Israel, I will not hide in the face of this blatant antisemitic violence.”
[Twitter, @MaxMillerOH, 6/19/25]
Miller Attached A Video To The Tweet Where He Further Described The Alleged Incident And Said, “I Will Continue To Fight Against Antisemitism, Islamophobia, And All Other Forms Of Hate.” In the attached video for Max Miller’s tweet, he said “MILLER: Let’s make something abundantly clear to anyone who needs to see this, which apparently is a lot of people. If you have an issue with a legislator, your city councilmen, your Mayor, anyone like that, the appropriate thing to do is to reach out to them for a phone call to set up a meeting at one of our district offices. What is not okay is to assault anyone, whether you’re a member of Congress or anybody else within our district while you are driving to work. Ohio seven, this morning as I was driving to work some unhinged, deranged man decided to lay on his horn and run me off the road when he couldn’t get my attention to show me a Palestinian flag. Not to mention, ‘death to Israel, death to me’ that he wanted to kill me and my family. Thank God my daughter was not in my vehicle or anybody else at the time. We know exactly who you are. I have gone about my day, I have carried on my meetings and we will not hide. And I will continue to fight against antisemitism, islamophobia, and all other forms of hate. You have an issue? Take it to our office. You want to run me off the road? That’s a different story. We know who you are young man, and the police are going to be paying you a visit. And I hope what you did this morning is worth it to you and anyone else who plans on doing this to anybody within our district, state, or country.” [Twitter, @MaxMillerOH, 6/19/25] (video)
The Alleged Incident Between Hamdan And Miller Occurred “While The Two Were Driving In Their Respective Vehicles On Interstate 90 Near Cleveland.” According to a press release from Pattakos Law Firm LLC, "Last June, U.S. Congressman Max Miller (R, OH-7) made national headlines smearing Westlake doctor Feras Hamdan, MD as an ‘unhinged,’ ‘deranged’ antisemite who ‘threatened to kill’ Miller and his family and ‘ran him off the road’ while the two were driving in their respective vehicles on Interstate 90 near Cleveland. As a result of Miller’s accusations, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor charged Dr. Hamdan with ethnic intimidation and tampering with evidence, both felonies, along with misdemeanor counts of aggravated menacing and menacing. With these charges having been dramatically reduced by the Prosecutor in and thereby resolved this morning at a plea hearing in what Miller’s lawyer described as the ‘deal of the century,’ which was based on evidence recorded by Dr. Hamdan’s Tesla and other evidence proving that Miller was lying about the alleged incident, our firm today filed a lawsuit on Hamdan’s behalf for defamation and other civil claims against Miller seeking compensation for the harm caused by the Congressman’s destructive lies." [Press Release – Pattakos Law Firm LLC, 2/17/26]
¶ JULY 8, 2025: HAMDAN’S WORKPLACE WAS RAIDED AND HE WAS CHARGED WITH ETHNIC INTIMIDATION, TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE, AGGRAVATED MENACING, AND MENACING BASED ON MILLER’S ACCUSATION
July 8, 2025: Feras Hamdan, The Alleged Aggressor In The Incident With Miller, Was Charged With Ethnic Intimidation, Tampering With Evidence, Aggravated Menacing, And Menacing. According to a press release from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, “Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that a Cuyahoga County grand jury has returned an indictment charging Feras Hamdan, 36, for Tampering With Evidence, Ethnic Intimidation, among other charges for threatening Congressman Max Miller in Rocky River. […] On June 19, 2025, Congressman Max Miller was driving eastbound on Interstate 90 in Rocky River. He noticed a black vehicle, driven by Feras Hamdan, honked his horn and drove side to side with Miller’s vehicle. Hamdan then swerved his vehicle into Miller’s, causing Miller to swerve his vehicle. Miller slowed his vehicle down so Hamdan can pass him. Hamdan then started to slow down to stay by Miller, drove next to him, and began screaming and threatening Miller saying, “Fuck Jews” and that he was going to kill him and his family. Miller exited the highway, stopped his vehicle, and called 911. Hamdan also exited the highway, stopped by Miller, continued to yell at him, and then fled the scene. The Rocky River Police Department responded to the scene. Further investigation revealed Feras Hamdan recorded part of the interaction on his cell phone, sent it to other people, and then deleted it. He was arrested later that day. On July 8, 2025, Feras Hamdan was indicted on the following charges:
One count of Ethnic Intimidation (F5)
One count of Tampering With Evidence (F3)
One count of Aggravated Menacing (M1)
One count of Menacing (M4)
He will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date.” [Press Release – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, 7/8/25]
July 8, 2025: In Response To The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Sharing The Indictment Of Feras Hamdan, Miller Tweeted “Our Justice System Works.” Miller tweeted “Our justice system works. Thank you @CapitolPolice for your support.”
[Twitter, @RepMaxMiller, 7/8/25]
Hamdan’s Workplace Was Raided By More Than A Dozen Police Officers And Several Local, National, And International Sources Depicted Dr. Hamdan “As A Antisemitic ‘Jew Hater’ Who Had ‘Run’ A U.S. Congressman ‘Off The Road’ And Threatened To Kill Him And His Family.” According to a press release from Pattakos Law Firm LLC, “Based on Miller’s accusations, Dr. Hamdan’s workplace, a family medical practice, was raided by more than a dozen police officers, Dr. Hamdan was arrested and charged, and the Rocky River Municipal Court set a $500,000 bond for his release — an amount typically reserved for accused murderers. From there, a tidal wave of local, national, and international news coverage ensued, depicting Dr. Hamdan as a antisemitic ‘Jew hater’ who had ‘run’ a U.S. Congressman ‘off the road’ and threatened to kill him and his family.” [Press Release – Pattakos Law Firm LLC, 2/17/26]
¶ JULY 15, 2025: HAMDAN SHARED HIS PERSONAL FOOTAGE OF THE INCIDENT WITH MILLER THAT CONTRADICTED PARTS OF MILLER’S ACCOUNT
July 15, 2025: Hamdan’s Footage Of The Incident Showed Hamdan Driving Next To Miller With His Window Up Saying “This Is The Congressman, That Piece Of S--- F----- Congressman That’s Against Palestine, […] This Racist – Jewish – He Can’t Even Look At Me.” According to Cleveland.com, "A newly released video shows the interaction on Interstate 90 between an Ohio congressman and a Westlake doctor who was later charged with ethnic intimidation. The cell phone footage shows Feras Hamdan recording U.S. Rep. Max Miller, R-Bay Village, making a homophobic slur and calling him racist. Miller told police Hamdan, 36, threatened him and his family while swerving toward his car and showing a picture of the Palestinian flag during the incident last month. ‘This is the congressman, that piece of s--- f----- congressman that’s against Palestine,’ Hamdan said in a video he took of the incident. ‘This racist – Jewish – he can’t even look at me. He knows I’m recording him.’ The video, 911 calls, police reports and other investigative documents from the June 19 incident were released Monday by Rocky River’s law director, Michael O’Shea, after cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer filed a public records request for the documents." [Cleveland.com, 7/15/25]
Hamadan’s Video Of The Event Did Not Show Hamadan Threatening Miller Or His Family’s Life As Miller Alleged. According to Cleveland.com, "Miller told police that Hamdan threatened to kill him and his family and said ‘I know where you live.’ The video recordings capture only part of the encounter and do not show Hamdan threatening Miller or his family. Hamdan’s attorney, Issa Elkhatib, could not be reached for comment. Elkhatib has argued the charges are ‘preposterous’ and that Miller is ‘weaponizing the system to ruin an innocent man’s life.’ Miller told police he initially tried to ignore Hamdan, who began the incident by laying on his horn while the two were driving on the eastbound highway. Then Hamdan pulled up beside Miller, rolled his window down and began screaming at Miller, the congressman told police. Hamdan swerved his car toward Miller, who then put his hand on his gun but did not point it at Hamdan, Miller told police." [Cleveland.com, 7/15/25]
¶ DURING THE PROCEEDINGS, HAMDAN’S LEGAL TEAM PRESENTED ODOT SURVEILLANCE FOOTAGE, DATA FROM HAMDAN’S TESLA, AND TESTIMONY FROM AN ACOUSTIC EXPERT THAT CONTRADICTED MILLER’S ACCOUNT
ODOT Surveillance Footage Showed The Movement Of Hamdan’s Steering Wheel “Was Inconsistent With Any Effort To Swerve Or ‘Run Miller Off The Road.’” According to a press release from Pattakos Law Firm LLC, “Despite the rush to judgment by the police, prosecutors, and the press as to Miller’s facially implausible and stereotypically Islamophobic accusations against Dr. Hamdan — including that Miller could have heard any threats from Hamdan while the two were traveling in their respective vehicles while driving at highway speeds — these accusations were shortly revealed to be false by evidence produced in the criminal proceedings. This included data pulled from the Tesla vehicle that Hamdan was driving, which—along with ODOT surveillance footage capturing the vehicles driving on I-90 during the incident in question—showed that Hamdan’s windows were up during the entire alleged incident, and that the movement of his steering wheel was inconsistent with any effort to swerve or ‘run Miller off the road’ during the times in question. Dr. Hamdan’s defense team also produced a report from an acoustics expert whose analysis confirmed the common sense conclusion that, even if Hamdan’s and Miller’s windows were both down at the time of the alleged incident, any words that Hamdan would have shouted while the two were traveling in their vehicles at highway speeds would have been ‘scrambled and unintelligible.’ Additionally, Miller, in his post at X.com, had initially accused Dr. Hamdan of ‘throw[ing] a Palestinian flag out of the window’ of his vehicle, but later edited his post to state that Hamdan had merely ‘show[n] a Palestinian flag’ before taking off.” [Press Release – Pattakos Law Firm LLC, 2/17/26]
Data From The Tesla Hamdan Was Driving Showed “Hamdan’s Windows Were Up During The Entire Alleged Incident.” According to a press release from Pattakos Law Firm LLC, “Despite the rush to judgment by the police, prosecutors, and the press as to Miller’s facially implausible and stereotypically Islamophobic accusations against Dr. Hamdan — including that Miller could have heard any threats from Hamdan while the two were traveling in their respective vehicles while driving at highway speeds — these accusations were shortly revealed to be false by evidence produced in the criminal proceedings. This included data pulled from the Tesla vehicle that Hamdan was driving, which—along with ODOT surveillance footage capturing the vehicles driving on I-90 during the incident in question—showed that Hamdan’s windows were up during the entire alleged incident, and that the movement of his steering wheel was inconsistent with any effort to swerve or ‘run Miller off the road’ during the times in question. Dr. Hamdan’s defense team also produced a report from an acoustics expert whose analysis confirmed the common sense conclusion that, even if Hamdan’s and Miller’s windows were both down at the time of the alleged incident, any words that Hamdan would have shouted while the two were traveling in their vehicles at highway speeds would have been ‘scrambled and unintelligible.’ Additionally, Miller, in his post at X.com, had initially accused Dr. Hamdan of ‘throw[ing] a Palestinian flag out of the window’ of his vehicle, but later edited his post to state that Hamdan had merely ‘show[n] a Palestinian flag’ before taking off.” [Press Release – Pattakos Law Firm LLC, 2/17/26]
An Acoustic Expert Said “Even If Hamdan’s And Miller’s Windows Were Both Down At The Time Of The Alleged Incident, Any Words That Hamdan Would Have Shouted While The Two Were Traveling In Their Vehicles At Highway Speeds Would Have Been ‘Scrambled And Unintelligible.’” According to a press release from Pattakos Law Firm LLC, “Despite the rush to judgment by the police, prosecutors, and the press as to Miller’s facially implausible and stereotypically Islamophobic accusations against Dr. Hamdan — including that Miller could have heard any threats from Hamdan while the two were traveling in their respective vehicles while driving at highway speeds — these accusations were shortly revealed to be false by evidence produced in the criminal proceedings. This included data pulled from the Tesla vehicle that Hamdan was driving, which—along with ODOT surveillance footage capturing the vehicles driving on I-90 during the incident in question—showed that Hamdan’s windows were up during the entire alleged incident, and that the movement of his steering wheel was inconsistent with any effort to swerve or “run Miller off the road” during the times in question. Dr. Hamdan’s defense team also produced a report from an acoustics expert whose analysis confirmed the common sense conclusion that, even if Hamdan’s and Miller’s windows were both down at the time of the alleged incident, any words that Hamdan would have shouted while the two were traveling in their vehicles at highway speeds would have been “scrambled and unintelligible.” Additionally, Miller, in his post at X.com, had initially accused Dr. Hamdan of “throw[ing] a Palestinian flag out of the window” of his vehicle, but later edited his post to state that Hamdan had merely “show[n] a Palestinian flag” before taking off.” [Press Release – Pattakos Law Firm LLC, 2/17/26]
¶ Hamdan Admitted That During The Alleged Incident He Had Honked At Miller And That He Attempted To Show Miller A Palestinian Flag On His Phone
Hamdan Admitted To Honking At Miller And Showing Miller A Palestinian Flag On His Phone. According to a press release from Pattakos Law Firm LLC, “Dr. Hamdan admitted that he honked his vehicle’s horn at Miller when he noticed the Congressman driving on the highway in the lane next to his vehicle on the morning in question, and that he showed Miller a Palestine flag that he had pulled up his phone to indicate his disapproval with the Congressman’s hateful statements. As the evidence showed, however, this was the sum and substance of the interaction between the two, and Miller was so upset by Hamdan’s mild expression of dissent toward him that he fabricated the implausible and nakedly Islamophobic accusations that Hamdan had threatened his life.” [Press Release – Pattakos Law Firm LLC, 2/17/26]
¶ FEBRUARY 17, 2026: AFTER HAMDAN’S EVIDENCE WAS PRESENTED, THE PROSECUTOR GAVE HIM THE OPPORTUNITY, WHICH HE TOOK, TO PLEAD GUILTY TO LESSER CHARGES
February 17, 2026: The Charges Against Hamadan Were Dramatically Reduced And “Thereby Resolved This Morning At A Plea Hearing” Where Dr. Hamdan Produced Evidence From His Tesla Alongside Other Evidence “Proving That Miller Was Lying About The Alleged Incident.” According to a press release from Pattakos Law Firm LLC, "Last June, U.S. Congressman Max Miller (R, OH-7) made national headlines smearing Westlake doctor Feras Hamdan, MD as an ‘unhinged,’ ‘deranged’ antisemite who ‘threatened to kill’ Miller and his family and ‘ran him off the road’ while the two were driving in their respective vehicles on Interstate 90 near Cleveland. As a result of Miller’s accusations, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor charged Dr. Hamdan with ethnic intimidation and tampering with evidence, both felonies, along with misdemeanor counts of aggravated menacing and menacing. With these charges having been dramatically reduced by the Prosecutor in and thereby resolved this morning at a plea hearing in what Miller’s lawyer described as the ‘deal of the century,’ which was based on evidence recorded by Dr. Hamdan’s Tesla and other evidence proving that Miller was lying about the alleged incident, our firm today filed a lawsuit on Hamdan’s behalf for defamation and other civil claims against Miller seeking compensation for the harm caused by the Congressman’s destructive lies." [Press Release – Pattakos Law Firm LLC, 2/17/26]
- After Hamdan’s Evidence Was Presented, The Prosecutor Gave Him The Opportunity To Plead Guilty To “Expungable Misdemeanors.” According to a press release from Pattakos Law Firm LLC, “Based on this evidence showing that Miller fabricated his accusations, the Prosecutor offered Dr. Hamdan the chance to plead to expungable misdemeanors, including minor misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, and disorderly conduct for engaging in ‘turbulent behavior,’ as well as a second-degree misdemeanor charge of ‘obstructing official business’ which was based on the fact that Hamdan had, for personal reasons, deleted a few messages he had sent to close friends and family members about his interaction with Miller before he knew that these events would be subject to a police investigation. Having pleaded to these dramatically reduced charges, which do not reflect any responsibility for ‘assaulting’ Miller, ‘menacing’ him, ‘running him off the road,’ threatening to kill him or his family, or doing anything of the like, and which was described by Miller’s attorney at this morning’s plea hearing as ‘the deal of the century,’ Hamdan has, as of this afternoon, exercised his right to seek civil justice from Miller by suing him under Ohio law for defamation and related claims in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.” [Press Release – Pattakos Law Firm LLC, 2/17/26]
- The Lesser Charges Hamdan Pleaded Guilty To Did “Not Reflect Any Responsibility For ‘Assaulting’ Miller, ‘Menacing’ Him, ‘Running Him Off The Road,’ Threatening To Kill Him Or His Family, Or Doing Anything Of The Like.” According to a press release from Pattakos Law Firm LLC, “Based on this evidence showing that Miller fabricated his accusations, the Prosecutor offered Dr. Hamdan the chance to plead to expungable misdemeanors, including minor misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, and disorderly conduct for engaging in ‘turbulent behavior,’ as well as a second-degree misdemeanor charge of ‘obstructing official business’ which was based on the fact that Hamdan had, for personal reasons, deleted a few messages he had sent to close friends and family members about his interaction with Miller before he knew that these events would be subject to a police investigation. Having pleaded to these dramatically reduced charges, which do not reflect any responsibility for ‘assaulting’ Miller, ‘menacing’ him,‘running him off the road,’ threatening to kill him or his family, or doing anything of the like, and which was described by Miller’s attorney at this morning’s plea hearing as ‘the deal of the century,’ Hamdan has, as of this afternoon, exercised his right to seek civil justice from Miller by suing him under Ohio law for defamation and related claims in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.” [Press Release – Pattakos Law Firm LLC, 2/17/26]
¶ Hamdan Was Sentenced To One Year Of Probation And Was Required To Complete 100 Hours Of Community Service
After Pleading Guilty To “Obstructing Official Business, Reckless Driving And Disorderly Conduct” Hamdan Was Sentenced To A Year Of Probation And 100 Hours Of Community Service. According to Cleveland.com, “In February, Hamdan pleaded guilty to obstructing official business, reckless driving and disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to a year of probation and 100 hours of community service. Hamdan was given a suspended sentence of 86 days in jail and credited with time served for the four days he was locked up after his arrest.” [Cleveland.com, 4/27/26]
¶ FEBRUARY 17, 2026: HAMDAN FILED A DEFAMATION SUIT AGAINST MILLER CLAIMING MILLER “FABRICATED HIS ACCUSATIONS” THAT NEGATIVELY IMPACTED HAMDAN’S LIVELIHOOD AND REPUTATION
February 17, 2026: Hamdan Filed A Lawsuit Against Miller Alleging Defamation And Related Claims In The Cuyahoga Court Of Common Pleas. According to a press release from Pattakos Law Firm LLC, “Based on this evidence showing that Miller fabricated his accusations, the Prosecutor offered Dr. Hamdan the chance to plead to expungable misdemeanors, including minor misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, and disorderly conduct for engaging in “turbulent behavior,” as well as a second-degree misdemeanor charge of “obstructing official business” which was based on the fact that Hamdan had, for personal reasons, deleted a few messages he had sent to close friends and family members about his interaction with Miller before he knew that these events would be subject to a police investigation. Having pleaded to these dramatically reduced charges, which do not reflect any responsibility for “assaulting” Miller, “menacing” him, “running him off the road,” threatening to kill him or his family, or doing anything of the like, and which was described by Miller’s attorney at this morning’s plea hearing as “the deal of the century,” Hamdan has, as of this afternoon, exercised his right to seek civil justice from Miller by suing him under Ohio law for defamation and related claims in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.” [Press Release – Pattakos Law Firm LLC, 2/17/26]
- One Of Dr. Hamdan’s Attorneys Said, “We’re Eager To Obtain Justice Against Mr. Miller For His Lies That Turned Dr. Hamdan’s Life Upside Down And Destroyed His Livelihood And Reputation.” According to a press release from Pattakos Law Firm LLC, “We’re grateful that Dr. Hamdan was able to obtain a favorable resolution on charges that were dramatically reduced from what was originally charged, and we’re eager to obtain justice against Mr. Miller for his lies that turned Dr. Hamdan’s life upside down and destroyed his livelihood and reputation,” said Peter Pattakos, one of Hamdan’s attorneys. [Press Release – Pattakos Law Firm LLC, 2/17/26]
¶ Miller Posted “See You In Court Soon” On His Campaign Twitter Account
February 17, 2026: Miller Posted Hamdan’s Video Of The Incident On Twitter And Said, “See You In Court Soon, Feras.” According to Max Miller’s Twitter, “See you in court soon, Feras.”
[Twitter, @MaxMillerOH, 2/17/26]
¶ APRIL 24, 2026: MILLER FILED LEGAL PAPERS THAT ACCUSED HAMDAN OF A PREMEDITATED, ANTISEMITISM-FUELED ATTACK AND CLAIMED HAMDAN’S LEGAL TEAM AND A TESLA DATA FIRM CONSPIRED TO FAKE EVIDENCE
April 24, 2026: Miller Responded To Hamdan’s Defamation Lawsuit By “Filing Legal Papers That Accuse The Doctor Of A Premeditated, Antisemitism-Fueled Attack And Claim The Doctor’s Attorney And A Tesla Data Firm Conspired To Fake Evidence To Help Him Escape Felony Charges.” According to Cleveland.com, “U.S. Rep. Max Miller has fired back at a Westlake doctor who sued him for defamation after a road rage confrontation on I-90 last year, filing legal papers that accuse the doctor of a premeditated, antisemitism-fueled attack and claim the doctor’s attorney and a Tesla data firm conspired to fake evidence to help him escape felony charges. The April 24 filing in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court paints Dr. Feras Hamdan, 36, not as a spontaneous road-rager with a political grievance, but as a man who spent nearly two years monitoring the Jewish Republican congressman, repeatedly expressing a desire to confront him physically, and finally acting on that obsession on the morning of June 19, 2025.” [Cleveland.com, 4/27/26]
- Miller Made Counterclaims Against Hamdan For “Assault, Ethnic Intimidation, Intentional Infliction Of Emotional Distress, Civil Liability For Criminal Acts Under Ohio Law, And Spoliation Of Evidence.” According to Cleveland.com, “The filing makes counterclaims directly against Hamdan for assault, ethnic intimidation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, civil liability for criminal acts under Ohio law, and spoliation of evidence. It also claims that Hamdan’s antisemitism, homophobia, and threats of violence against others are incompatible with the professional standards required of licensed physicians. The lawsuit also names Hamdan’s criminal defense attorney Issa Elkhatib, a Tesla data firm called TeslaMend and its owner Firas Almukdad, and a collision shop called Straightline Collision Center and its owner ‘EZ’ Assad as third-party defendants, accusing them of civil conspiracy and spoliation of evidence.” [Cleveland.com, 4/27/26]
- Evidence From Hamdan’s Cell Phone Showed “That Hamdan Was Fixated On Miller Since At Least October 2023, When Miller Publicly Commented In Support Of Israel Following The October 7 Hamas Terrorist Attack.” According to Cleveland.com, “According to the filing, Hamdan’s attack on the congressman was anything but a chance encounter. Evidence obtained from a forensic extraction of Hamdan’s cell phone — seized by law enforcement after his arrest — shows that Hamdan was fixated on Miller since at least October 2023, when Miller publicly commented in support of Israel following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. In messages recovered from his phone, Hamdan called Miller a ‘piece of s—’ and a ‘POS’ dozens of times in the months before attacking Miller, wrote that he ‘would lose it all to punch that POS,’ said he ‘never wanted to fight someone so bad’ in his life, and wrote that he ‘swear[s] I’d drive up there if I wasn’t working.’ The filing says Hamdan shared these messages — and more like them — in group chats with more than 40 friends, family members and associates. The filing says that the night before the June 19, 2025, incident, Hamdan searched for and obtained an image of a Palestinian flag and a photo of Miller. On the morning of the attack, he obtained a map of Israel and surrounding countries. The filing says Hamdan then intentionally maneuvered his vehicle — a black Tesla owned by his employer — next to Miller’s truck on I-90 eastbound, forcing Miller to swerve and nearly crash into another vehicle. During the encounter, Hamdan recorded himself shouting antisemitic and homophobic slurs at Miller. After breaking off the encounter, Hamdan sent a recorded audio message to his friends boasting: ‘SubhanAllah, couldn’t wait to cross paths with this [vulgarity] and today was the day! I had this mother effer shaking! This guy was so nervous. He pulled over and then I pulled over with him! This guy could barely look at me.’ In a text message sent to friends around the same time, Hamdan wrote: ‘Got into road rage this am haha… Intentional.’” [Cleveland.com, 4/27/26]
April 27, 2026: Miller Said Hamdan’s Lawyer Was “Panicking That We Have Evidence Proving His Guilt.” According to Miller’s Twitter, “Lawyer for Dr. Hamden, @peterpattakos, panicking that we have evidence proving his guilt. See you soon Dr.” RESEARCH NOTE: Miller edited the post to remove a double space before the word “panicking” one minute after it was posted.
[Twitter, @MaxMillerOH, 4/27/26]
- In A Tweet Addressing Hamdan’s Lawyer, Miller Incorrectly Spelled Hamdan’s Last Name As “Hamden” Instead Of Hamdan. According to Miller’s Twitter, “Lawyer for Dr. Hamden, @peterpattakos, panicking that we have evidence proving his guilt. See you soon Dr.” RESEARCH NOTE: Miller edited the post to remove a double space before the word “panicking” one minute after it was posted.
[Twitter, @MaxMillerOH, 4/27/26]
¶ Miller Had A Contentious Legal History With His Ex-Wife
¶ AUGUST 2024: MAX MILLER FILED FOR DIVORCE FROM EMILY MORENO MILLER
August 2024: Miller Filed For Divorce From Emily Moreno Miller. According to Cleveland.com, "U.S. Rep. Max Miller and Emily Moreno Miller, one of Northeast Ohio’s most prominent political power couples, are filing for divorce, according to court filings. Max Miller filed the divorce papers on Tuesday, two years to the day after Miller married Emily Moreno at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Their wedding featured a reception speech by Donald Trump, who Max Miller worked for as a senior advisor during Trump’s presidency. Emily Moreno Miller is the daughter of Bernie Moreno, Ohio’s GOP U.S. Senate nominee." [Cleveland.com, 8/30/24]
Miller Said He Filed For Divorce After Moreno Miller Abruptly Moved Into A House “She Secretly Bought, Claiming That Her Husband Was Using Drugs And Speaking Poorly Of Her Family.” According to Cleveland.com, "U.S. Rep. Max Miller stated in a new court filing that he filed for divorce last week from Emily Moreno Miller after she abruptly moved into a house she secretly bought, claiming that her husband was using drugs and speaking poorly of her family. Max Miller, a Rocky River Republican, asked the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court on Tuesday to guarantee him solo parenting time with their 10-month-old daughter, claiming Moreno Miller threatened to not let him see their child if he didn’t keep paying her car insurance and homeowner association fees. According to the filing, Moreno Miller – the multimillionaire daughter of car dealer and Republican U.S. Senate nominee Bernie Moreno – bought a $675,000 house in Westlake without his knowledge, then abruptly moved there on Aug. 1 with their child and most of her personal belongings while her husband was working. Property records show that a company owned by Moreno Miller’s father bought the Westlake home in July." [Cleveland.com, 9/4/24]
¶ Moreno Miller Reiterated That Miller Never Cause Physical Harm To Her Or Their Child But Also Said She Moved Out Of The Couple’s Shared Home “For Her Own Security, Safety And Well-Being And That Of Their Infant”
In The Divorce Filings Moreno Miller Specifically Reiterated That Miller “Never Caused Physical Harm To Her Or” Their Child. According to Cleveland.com, "The divorce filing comes three years after Miller’s former girlfriend, former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, wrote in the Washington Post that her relationship had turned physically abusive. Miller sued Grisham for defamation in a Cuyahoga County case that was dismissed last August. The filing stated that Moreno Miller ‘specifically reiterated’ that Miller ‘never caused physical harm to her or’ their child." [Cleveland.com, 9/4/24]
- In A Filing, Moreno Miller Also Said She “Left The Marital Residence For Her Own Security, Safety And Well-Being And That Of Their Infant.” According to Cleveland.com, " Miller said in a court filing that he sought a divorce after Emily Moreno abruptly moved into a house she secretly bought. Property records show that a company owned by Moreno bought the Westlake home in July. Emily Moreno said in a filing that she was concerned about Miller’s decision-making and ‘left the marital residence for her own security, safety and well-being and that of their infant’ child." [Cleveland.com, 6/16/25]
¶ Miller Claimed Moreno Miller Placed Restrictions On How He Could See Their Child And Accused Moreno Miller Of Trying To Use Access To Their Child To “Extort” Miller Financially
Miller Claimed That Moreno Miller “Only Let Him See Their Child At Times And Places Of Her Choosing, And Has Refused To Let Their Child Stay With Him Overnight.” According to Cleveland.com, "In the filing, Miller accuses Moreno Miller of leaving him because he ‘hurt her emotionally with his words when he, according to (Moreno Miller), allegedly spoke poorly about (her) family.’ The filing didn’t give further details about what Moreno Miller claims her husband said. However, Miller claimed that since then, his wife has only let him see their child at times and places of her choosing, and has refused to let their child stay with him overnight or see him without herself or a designated person present. Moreno Miller has also refused to let members of Miller’s family visit the baby, his filing states. Miller claims that when he asked Moreno Miller why she won’t let him see their baby outside of her presence, she either ignored his questions, said her attorney advised her not to permit such visitation, or ‘baselessly claimed’ that Miller would abscond with their child. She also claimed that Miller couldn’t watch over their child because of alleged ‘drug usage,’ the filing stated. The filing didn’t provide any specifics of which drug(s) she accused him of using, though it stated that Miller continued to be ‘stonewalled’ even after he voluntarily took a drug test and shared the negative results with Moreno Miller and her attorney." [Cleveland.com, 9/4/24]
Moreno Miller Claimed Miller Could Not Watch Their Child Because Of Alleged “Drug Usage” Of An Unnamed Substance. According to Cleveland.com, "Miller claims that when he asked Moreno Miller why she won’t let him see their baby outside of her presence, she either ignored his questions, said her attorney advised her not to permit such visitation, or ‘baselessly claimed’ that Miller would abscond with their child. She also claimed that Miller couldn’t watch over their child because of alleged ‘drug usage,’ the filing stated. The filing didn’t provide any specifics of which drug(s) she accused him of using, though it stated that Miller continued to be ‘stonewalled’ even after he voluntarily took a drug test and shared the negative results with Moreno Miller and her attorney." [Cleveland.com, 9/4/24]
Miller Accused Moreno Miller Of “Attempting To Use Access To Their Child To ‘Extort’ Him Financially.” According to Cleveland.com, "Miller’s filing also accuses Moreno Miller of attempting to use access to their child in order to ‘extort’ him financially. On Aug. 5, the filing states, Moreno Miller told her husband that if he didn’t pay for the child’s nanny and give her sole custody, she wouldn’t let him have any visitation. However, Moreno Miller’s attorney told Miller’s attorney the following day that there was ‘no financial tethering of the child for visitation.’ On Aug. 19, Miller told his wife he would no longer pay for car insurance for her $140,000 Mercedes, purchased from her father’s dealership, nor homeowners association fees for her Washington D.C. condo, according to the filing. The filing claims that Moreno Miller replied by saying that if Miller wanted to see his child going forward, he and his attorney would have to contact her attorney." [Cleveland.com, 9/4/24]
¶ JUNE 13, 2025: MAX MILLER AND EMILY MORENO REACHED A DIVORCE SETTLEMENT THAT SAID THEY WOULD SHARE CUSTODY OF THEIR CHILD AND MILLER WOULD PAY $2,500/MONTH IN CHILD SUPPORT
June 13, 2025: Miller And Emily Moreno Reached A Divorce Agreement Before The Trial Was Set To Begin. According to Cleveland.com, "U.S. Rep. Max Miller reached a divorce agreement with his wife ahead of a trial set to begin Monday that was expected to include testimony from U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno. Miller and Emily Moreno — the multimillionaire daughter of the car dealer and Republican senator — each signed a separation agreement on Friday." [Cleveland.com, 6/16/25]
- Senator Bernie Moreno, Father Of Emily Moreno, Had Been Subpoenaed To Testify At The Trial By Miller’s Legal Team. According to Cleveland.com, "Judge Debra Boros, a visiting judge from Lorain County appointed to the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court case, determined the parties were incompatible and issued a final divorce decree Monday. Bernie Moreno and his wife Bridget were subpoenaed in the case in April at the request of Miller’s attorneys. In addition to summoning the couple to testify at trial, the subpoenas sought documentation of any attorneys’ fees Bernie Moreno or his wife paid on Emily Moreno’s behalf in the divorce, proof of payment for the house where she lives in Westlake and a paper trail of any money transferred to her over the past three years." [Cleveland.com, 6/16/25]
- The Judge Denied A Request To Release Bernie Moreno From The Subpoena And A Divorce Agreement Was Signed Shortly After. According to Cleveland.com, "Boros on Thursday denied a request by Moreno’s attorneys to release him from the subpoena, court records show. She said in an order that he would be allowed to appear via teleconference. Miller’s attorney, Larry Zukerman, told cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer that he believed the judge’s order ‘precipitated a settlement.’ ‘After Judge Boros issued her decision, and the parties were able to frame the expected testimony, they came to a resolution of the case.’" [Cleveland.com, 6/16/25]
It Was Decided That Miller And Emily Moreno Would Share Custody Of Their Child With The Child Primarily Residing With Moreno Miller And Miller Would Pay $2,500 A Month In Child Support. According to Cleveland.com, "Emily Moreno and Miller will share custody of their young child, according to the divorce decree, though the child will primarily reside with the mother. Miller must pay $2,500 per month in child support." [Cleveland.com, 6/16/25]
¶ MARCH 2026: EMILY MORENO REQUESTED A CHANGE IN THE CUSTODY ARRANGEMENT AND CLAIMED MILLER’S BEHAVIOR HAD MADE IT SO IT WAS NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THEIR CHILD TO CONTINUE THE JOINT CUSTODY AGREEMENT
March 2026: Emily Moreno, Ex-Wife Of Miller, Requested A Change In Their Custody Arrangement. According to TMZ, “According to the divorce settlement, Max and Emily -- daughter of freshman Senator Bernie Moreno -- have joint custody, and he was ordered to pay her $2,500 per month in child support. Things took a turn on March 4 when Emily filed docs requesting a change in the custody arrangement, because, as she puts it ... Max ‘regularly speaks to me in an inappropriate, aggressive and demeaning manner, which is not in the best interest of our child.’ She adds, ‘[Max] has conducted dangerous physical behavior in the child's presence. I do not believe it is in our child's best interest for [Max] and me to jointly make a decision for her. I fear that attempting to make joint decisions -- and the lack of cooperation from [Max] in doing so -- will cause direct harm to [their child].’ In response, Max asked the judge to order psychological evaluations for Emily and himself ... in order to help the court determine who should have custody -- and claimed Emily's behavior has ‘become increasingly confrontational, irrational and somewhat bizarre.’ [TMZ, 4/22/26]
¶ Moreno Claimed Miller Spoke To Her In An Aggressive And Demeaning Manner And Had Conducted Dangerous Physical Behavior In Their Child’s Presence
Moreno Claimed Miller “Regularly Speaks To Me In An Inappropriate, Aggressive And Demeaning Manner, Which Is Not In The Best Interest Of Our Child.” According to TMZ, “According to the divorce settlement, Max and Emily -- daughter of freshman Senator Bernie Moreno -- have joint custody, and he was ordered to pay her $2,500 per month in child support. Things took a turn on March 4 when Emily filed docs requesting a change in the custody arrangement, because, as she puts it ... Max ‘regularly speaks to me in an inappropriate, aggressive and demeaning manner, which is not in the best interest of our child.’ She adds, ‘[Max] has conducted dangerous physical behavior in the child's presence. I do not believe it is in our child's best interest for [Max] and me to jointly make a decision for her. I fear that attempting to make joint decisions -- and the lack of cooperation from [Max] in doing so -- will cause direct harm to [their child].’ In response, Max asked the judge to order psychological evaluations for Emily and himself ... in order to help the court determine who should have custody -- and claimed Emily's behavior has ‘become increasingly confrontational, irrational and somewhat bizarre.’ [TMZ, 4/22/26]
Moreno Claimed Miller “Has Conducted Dangerous Physical Behavior In The Child's Presence.” According to TMZ, “According to the divorce settlement, Max and Emily -- daughter of freshman Senator Bernie Moreno -- have joint custody, and he was ordered to pay her $2,500 per month in child support. Things took a turn on March 4 when Emily filed docs requesting a change in the custody arrangement, because, as she puts it ... Max ‘regularly speaks to me in an inappropriate, aggressive and demeaning manner, which is not in the best interest of our child.’ She adds, ‘[Max] has conducted dangerous physical behavior in the child's presence. I do not believe it is in our child's best interest for [Max] and me to jointly make a decision for her. I fear that attempting to make joint decisions -- and the lack of cooperation from [Max] in doing so -- will cause direct harm to [their child].’ In response, Max asked the judge to order psychological evaluations for Emily and himself ... in order to help the court determine who should have custody -- and claimed Emily's behavior has ‘become increasingly confrontational, irrational and somewhat bizarre.’ [TMZ, 4/22/26]
Police Reportedly Investigated After Concerns Were Raised About Miller’s Daughter’s Broken Collarbone And Bruised Shoulder While Miller Was Watching Her. According to the New York Post, "US Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) is mired in a messy custody battle with his ex-wife that has involved a police investigation into their 2-year-old’s broken collarbone, court documents reveal. […] Specifically, police looked into concerns about their daughter’s broken collarbone and bruised shoulder while the congressman was watching her. The Ohio rep claimed that local authorities investigated the matter and ‘apparently cleared’ him, but made sure he had a booster seat installed properly in his vehicle. But an investigation into possible child abuse is technically still listed as active by local police. And the police have not publicly divulged any conclusions from the probe." [New York Post, 4/24/26]
¶ Miller Requested That The Judge Psychologically Evaluate Himself And Moreno And Claimed Moreno’s Behavior Had Become “Confrontational, Irrational And Somewhat Bizarre”
Miller Responded To Moreno’s Request By Asking “The Judge To Order Psychological Evaluations For Emily And Himself ... In Order To Help The Court Determine Who Should Have Custody.” According to TMZ, “According to the divorce settlement, Max and Emily -- daughter of freshman Senator Bernie Moreno -- have joint custody, and he was ordered to pay her $2,500 per month in child support. Things took a turn on March 4 when Emily filed docs requesting a change in the custody arrangement, because, as she puts it ... Max ‘regularly speaks to me in an inappropriate, aggressive and demeaning manner, which is not in the best interest of our child.’ She adds, ‘[Max] has conducted dangerous physical behavior in the child's presence. I do not believe it is in our child's best interest for [Max] and me to jointly make a decision for her. I fear that attempting to make joint decisions -- and the lack of cooperation from [Max] in doing so -- will cause direct harm to [their child].’ In response, Max asked the judge to order psychological evaluations for Emily and himself ... in order to help the court determine who should have custody -- and claimed Emily's behavior has ‘become increasingly confrontational, irrational and somewhat bizarre.’ [TMZ, 4/22/26]
Miller Claimed Moreno Had “Become Increasingly Confrontational, Irrational And Somewhat Bizarre.” According to TMZ, “According to the divorce settlement, Max and Emily -- daughter of freshman Senator Bernie Moreno -- have joint custody, and he was ordered to pay her $2,500 per month in child support. Things took a turn on March 4 when Emily filed docs requesting a change in the custody arrangement, because, as she puts it ... Max ‘regularly speaks to me in an inappropriate, aggressive and demeaning manner, which is not in the best interest of our child.’ She adds, ‘[Max] has conducted dangerous physical behavior in the child's presence. I do not believe it is in our child's best interest for [Max] and me to jointly make a decision for her. I fear that attempting to make joint decisions -- and the lack of cooperation from [Max] in doing so -- will cause direct harm to [their child].’ In response, Max asked the judge to order psychological evaluations for Emily and himself ... in order to help the court determine who should have custody -- and claimed Emily's behavior has ‘become increasingly confrontational, irrational and somewhat bizarre.’ [TMZ, 4/22/26]
¶ Miller Filed A Defamation Suit Against Stephanie Grisham The Day After She Published An Opinion Piece That Alleged Abuse In A Relationship With A Fellow White House Staffer
¶ OCTOBER 5, 2021: STEPHANIE GRISHAM WROTE AN OPINION PIECE DETAILING ACCUSATIONS OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP SHE HAD WITH A FELLOW, UNNAMED WHITE HOUSE STAFFER
October 5, 2021: Stephanie Grisham, Who Served As Chief Of Staff To The First Lady, Press Secretary And Communications Director In The Trump White House, Claimed She Was Abused By A Fellow, Unnamed, White House Staffer. According to an opinion piece by Stephanie Grisham in The Washington Post, "Stephanie Grisham served as chief of staff to the first lady, press secretary and communications director in the Trump White House. Her book ‘I’ll Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw at the Trump White House’ publishes Tuesday. After being by their sides for almost six years, I knew Donald and Melania Trump about as well as anyone, or so I thought. And they knew me. A hungry gossip, the president showed an ongoing interest in my relationship with my boyfriend, a fellow White House staffer, and asked intimate questions about our relationship. He and the first lady invited us as a couple to events, with Trump conferring on us his stock compliment, ‘right out of central casting.’ They knew when we got a dog for my birthday. They knew when we broke up. They also knew when the relationship turned abusive — and they didn’t seem to care. One day, while meeting with Mrs. Trump alone, she asked how I was holding up after our breakup. My eyes started to well up. I had been holding in the fact that the end of our relationship had become violent, reaching its worst point on the day I left. I told the first lady that he got physical with me. She asked me if I had called the police and I said no, explaining that this close to the election, it wouldn’t be good to have yet another domestic abuse scandal hanging over the administration. I also had no proof. She nodded and did not push the matter further. As far as I know, she told no one." [Stephanie Grisham Opinion – Washington Post, 10/5/21]
- Grisham Claimed She Did Not Put Miller’s Name In Her Op-Ed On Purpose Because She Had Moved On. According to Cleveland.com, "Miller asked the court to order Grisham not to repeat the claims she first made in an op-ed in the Washington Post, including stopping her from discussing it during television interviews she’d scheduled later that day. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Emily Hagan denied Miller’s request for a temporary restraining order to keep her from talking. Grisham appeared on ‘The Lead with Jake Tapper’ that afternoon and told the host there was ‘abuse in every way there’ during her relationship with Miller, whom she did not name in the op-ed. ‘I didn’t put his name in there on purpose because I’ve moved on,’ Grisham said during the interview with Tapper. ‘If there’s anything I can take away, I’m almost stronger than ever now, and no one is ever going to abuse me again in any way, shape or form.’" [Cleveland.com, 8/31/23]
¶ Grisham Alleged Melania And Donald Trump Knew About The Abuse And Did Nothing
Grisham Claimed She Had Told Melania Trump About The Alleged Abuse And The First Lady “Nodded And Did Not Push The Matter Further.” According to an opinion piece by Stephanie Grisham in The Washington Post, "Stephanie Grisham served as chief of staff to the first lady, press secretary and communications director in the Trump White House. Her book ‘I’ll Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw at the Trump White House’ publishes Tuesday. After being by their sides for almost six years, I knew Donald and Melania Trump about as well as anyone, or so I thought. And they knew me. A hungry gossip, the president showed an ongoing interest in my relationship with my boyfriend, a fellow White House staffer, and asked intimate questions about our relationship. He and the first lady invited us as a couple to events, with Trump conferring on us his stock compliment, ‘right out of central casting.’ They knew when we got a dog for my birthday. They knew when we broke up. They also knew when the relationship turned abusive — and they didn’t seem to care. One day, while meeting with Mrs. Trump alone, she asked how I was holding up after our breakup. My eyes started to well up. I had been holding in the fact that the end of our relationship had become violent, reaching its worst point on the day I left. I told the first lady that he got physical with me. She asked me if I had called the police and I said no, explaining that this close to the election, it wouldn’t be good to have yet another domestic abuse scandal hanging over the administration. I also had no proof. She nodded and did not push the matter further. As far as I know, she told no one." [Stephanie Grisham Opinion – Washington Post, 10/5/21]
Grisham Claimed She Later Told President Trump About The Alleged Abuse And Hoped “That He Would Do Something.” According to an opinion piece by Stephanie Grisham in The Washington Post, "A few weeks later, after the first presidential debate, I was with President Trump on Air Force One. Noting that my ex was also in our entourage, the president asked me if it was tough to have seen him at the debate. He then began to tell me how broken up my ex had been about the split and expressed sympathy for him. I couldn’t sit there and listen to that. Although I had not intended to, I confided the same story about the physical abuse that I had told Mrs. Trump. I told the president that this ‘great guy’ had anger issues and a violent streak. I was not some stranger making a wild accusation. I hoped that he would take me seriously, that he would do something. After I finished, the president crossed his arms and just said, ‘That surprises me. He was really broken up over things.’ After we got off the helicopter, Mrs. Trump said she was glad I told him. We never spoke about it again. I felt that Mrs. Trump believed my story. I suspected the president, long invested in the view that women usually make up allegations of assault, didn’t want to believe it." [Stephanie Grisham Opinion – Washington Post, 10/5/21]
¶ 2021: Grisham Claimed Since The Relationship Ended, That Trump Had Endorsed Her Ex’s Bid For Congress
Instead Of Investigating The Abuse Claims Or Offering Grisham Protection, Grisham Claimed, “Trump Has Endorsed My Ex’s Bid For Congress.” According to an opinion piece by Stephanie Grisham in The Washington Post, "Whether they believed me or not, however, isn’t really the point. My ex has denied my allegations and engaging in any such behavior, but his denials aren’t really the point either. The point is that the president and first lady seemed totally unfazed about whether there was an abuser — another abuser — in their workplace. There was no follow-up from either of them to see if I needed help or protection. There was no investigation ordered. No effort to get to the bottom of this. A White House staffer accused of assault by a woman whom the president knew and trusted? It didn’t even seem to register on the president’s radar screen as a concern. To the contrary, knowing what he knows, Trump has endorsed my ex’s bid for Congress. The takeaway: Dealing with abuse claims is not in his interest, but having someone in office who will be a rubber stamp for his agenda is." [Stephanie Grisham Opinion – Washington Post, 10/5/21]
- February 2021: Trump Said Miller Had His “Complete And Total Endorsement” For Congress. According to Miller’s Twitter, “I am honored to be endorsed by President Donald J. Trump as I begin my campaign for Congress. I will never back down and will never betray my constituents. Join us. We will save America together. Read President Trump's statement below! 👇 http://votemaxmiller.com.”
[Tweet, @MaxMillerOH, 2/26/21]
¶ In Her Op-Ed, Grisham Said Her Ex Had Denied All Allegations Of Abuse
Grisham Said Her Ex Denied The Allegations Of Abuse. According to an opinion piece by Stephanie Grisham in The Washington Post, "Whether they believed me or not, however, isn’t really the point. My ex has denied my allegations and engaging in any such behavior, but his denials aren’t really the point either. The point is that the president and first lady seemed totally unfazed about whether there was an abuser — another abuser — in their workplace. There was no follow-up from either of them to see if I needed help or protection. There was no investigation ordered. No effort to get to the bottom of this. A White House staffer accused of assault by a woman whom the president knew and trusted? It didn’t even seem to register on the president’s radar screen as a concern. To the contrary, knowing what he knows, Trump has endorsed my ex’s bid for Congress. The takeaway: Dealing with abuse claims is not in his interest, but having someone in office who will be a rubber stamp for his agenda is." [Stephanie Grisham Opinion – Washington Post, 10/5/21]
- Miller Denied Grisham’s Abuse Allegations And Claimed She Made Them To Hurt Him And Sell More Copies Of Her Memoir. According to Cleveland.com, "Miller’s 2021 complaint in the case said a Washington Post opinion piece that Grisham published the day the lawsuit was filed made ‘libelous and defamatory statements’ that Miller abused her toward the end of their relationship. He sought compensatory damages in excess of $25,000, as well as the ‘statutory maximum’ punitive damages. Miller’s denied the abuse claims. The lawsuit said Grisham made them to harm him and to sell more copies of her memoir, titled ‘I’ll Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw at the Trump White House,’ which also published that day." [Cleveland.com, 8/31/23]
¶ MAX MILLER FILED A DEFAMATION SUIT AGAINST GRISHAM HOURS AFTER HER OP-ED PUBLISHED
Following The Publication Of Stephanie Grisham’s Opinion Piece, Miller Filed A Defamation Suit Against Grisham. According to Cleveland Jewish News, "Larry Zukerman, a Cleveland-based attorney representing Miller, filed a lawsuit Oct. 5 in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court hours after an op-ed piece penned by Grisham went live on The Washington Post website, alleging the abuse. She did not name Miller in the piece, but the lawsuit asks a Cleveland judge to order Grisham to stop discussing the alleged abuse. The 13-page complaint said she made ‘libelous and defamatory statements’ that Miller abused her toward the end of their relationship." [Cleveland Jewish News, 10/6/21]
- Miller Requested A Preliminary Injunction And Restraining Order To Prevent Grisham From Repeating The Claims Of Abuse But Was Denied. According to Cleveland Jewish News, "Miller is seeking punitive damages from Grisham as part of the defamation suit, and requested a preliminary injunction and restraining order to keep her from repeating the claims, but the request for the restraining order was ultimately denied by Judge Emily Hagan later in the day Oct. 5. A hearing was set for Oct. 13, but Zukerman told the CJN Oct. 12 that the case had been stayed as Grisham hasn't been served yet." [Cleveland Jewish News, 10/6/21]
¶ AUGUST 2023: MILLER VOLUNTARILY DISMISSED THE DEFAMATION SUIT HE FILED AGAINST GRISHAM
August 2023: Miller Voluntarily Dismissed The Defamation Suit He Filed In October Of 2021 Against Grisham. According to Cleveland.com, "U.S. Rep. Max Miller, a Rocky River Republican, has voluntarily dismissed a defamation suit he filed against a former girlfriend, ex-White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, for publicly claiming he abused her when they dated. A journal entry filed Wednesday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court said the case has been ‘dismissed with prejudice’ with each side paying their own court costs. The case had been scheduled for a jury trial on Sept. 25." [Cleveland.com, 8/31/23]
- Miller’s Attorney Said The Case Resolved “By An Agreement Between The Parties And The Case Was Dismissed.” According to Cleveland Jewish News, "Larry W. Zukerman, a Cleveland attorney who was representing Miller, submitted a voluntary dismissal with prejudice of any and all claims filed by plaintiff against defendant in the matter, the docket read. Each party would pay their own costs and attorney fees in the case, it stated. ‘All cases resolve by way of verdict, settlement or court order,’ Zuckerman wrote in an email to the Columbus Jewish News. ‘This case resolved by an agreement between the parties and the case was dismissed.’" [Cleveland Jewish News, 9/12/23]