Rep. Max Miller Files Defamation Suit Against Ex-Wife and Attorney

Ohio Rep. Max Miller filed a defamation lawsuit on Wednesday against his ex-wife Emily Moreno, the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno, and her attorney Andrew Zashin. The suit addresses public accusations of abuse that emerged during a custody battle over the couple's 2-year-old daughter.

Miller stated that Moreno and Zashin sought to malign his character, undermine his odds at re-election to Congress, and falsely portray him as a violent and abusive father and husband. The Ohio Republican, who won his GOP primary last week, is seeking at least $25,000 in damages.

The accusations became public as part of the custody proceedings. Miller filed a separate domestic violence case against Moreno in February in an effort to restrict her access to their daughter. A judge determined there was not enough evidence to issue a protection order for the child but granted one protecting Miller from Moreno.

The Daily Mail published images last week related to the alleged abuse, including claims that Miller threw boiling water at Moreno, which he has disputed. The defamation suit focuses on statements made by Zashin, including one that said if Miller was looking for abusive behavior he should look in the mirror.

A spokesperson for Miller said the congressman filed the lawsuit to defend his reputation against false and malicious allegations made by his ex-wife and her attorneys. The spokesperson added that the complaint states they knowingly spread untrue claims of abuse to national media outlets to damage his reputation and standing as a public official.

Zashin declined to comment because he is named in the suit. Under litigation immunity, attorneys generally receive protections for statements made in legal proceedings, and Zashin's team is expected to file a motion to dismiss. Miller previously filed a defamation suit in 2021 against former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham after she wrote about being in an abusive relationship without naming him.