Emily Moreno, the ex-wife of Rep. Max Miller (R-OH), filed a restraining order against him on Thursday in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The filing alleges that Miller harassed, threatened, and physically touched her attorney, Andrew Zashin, without consent during a court hearing. Moreno claims Miller will continue to communicate directly with her legal team unless restrained.
The restraining order comes amid a broader legal conflict between the two, including a defamation lawsuit filed by Miller against Moreno and Zashin. Miller alleges they spread false domestic abuse claims, which were published by national and regional outlets. Moreno and her legal team have moved to dismiss the lawsuit, citing a new Ohio law protecting free speech on matters of public concern. Miller denies the allegations.
The couple has also been engaged in a bitter custody battle over their 2-year-old daughter. Miller previously accused Moreno of pushing false domestic violence allegations in a separate legal case, which a judge dismissed this week. The restraining order filing also includes a statement from Miller’s attorney, Larry Zukerman, who reportedly said during a hearing that Miller “just can’t control himself.”
Additionally, Moreno has accused Miller of prior domestic abuse, including allegations that he scalded her chest and stomach by throwing hot water from a skillet. Miller has vehemently denied these claims. Meanwhile, Democratic members of Congress have called for an ethics investigation into Miller over allegations of assault and potential child abuse, citing a Mother Jones report that detailed numerous episodes of misconduct.