Ex-Senator Kyrsten Sinema Hit with Lawsuit for Affair That Ended a Marriage – The Scandal Everyone’s Talking About!
Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is facing a civil lawsuit that has drawn national attention. She is accused of having an extramarital affair that ended a 14-year marriage. The case was filed under North Carolina’s rare “alienation of affection” law. It involves her former security guard and highlights one of America’s most unusual legal doctrines.
Understanding the Lawsuit Against Kyrsten Sinema
Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, a Democrat turned independent, served one term before leaving office last year. She was accused this week in federal court of having an affair with a married member of her Senate security team, who is a father of three.
Heather Ammel filed a 14-page alienation of affection lawsuit. She claims Sinema had an affair with her husband, Matthew Ammel, who worked on Sinema’s staff for two years. The case was first filed in September 2024 in a North Carolina state court. This week, Sinema’s attorney asked to move it to federal court. The former Senator and her lawyer did not respond immediately to media requests for comment.
The lawsuit seeks $75,000 in damages, according to Heather Ammel’s lawyers. The couple has three children together, and their marriage lasted from 2010 until their separation in November 2024 following a work trip.
Who is Kyrsten Sinema?
Kyrsten Sinema is a former social worker and lawyer who served as a U.S. Senator representing Arizona from 2019 to 2025. Before becoming a Senator, she represented Arizona’s 9th congressional district in the U.S. House for six years starting in 2013. When she replaced retiring Republican Senator Jeff Flake, she made history by becoming the first openly bisexual member of the Senate and the first woman elected to represent Arizona in the Senate.
Sinema’s political journey has been unconventional. Before joining the Democratic Party, she was a Green Party activist who backed Ralph Nader’s 2000 presidential bid. However, during her years in national politics as a Democrat, she earned a reputation as a centrist who frequently deviated from the Democratic party line.
Her Centrist Record and Controversies
Throughout her Senate tenure, Sinema’s positions often frustrated progressive Democrats. She opposed changes to the Senate filibuster, which derailed voting rights legislation. She blocked efforts to raise the minimum wage to $15, and voted with Republicans to try and block President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan.
Her bipartisan approach earned praise from Republican colleagues. Former Republican Leader Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky branded her a “genuine moderate and a dealmaker” in 2022. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, writing for Sinema’s 2022 TIME100 profile, lauded her “fearless approach to legislating” and described her as a key person in the massive bipartisan infrastructure bill that Biden signed in 2021. Murkowski noted that “Kyrsten understands the importance of consensus.”
Leaving the Democratic Party and the Senate
At the end of 2022, Kyrsten Sinema defected from the Democratic Party and registered as an independent, telling Politico that she “never really fit into a box of any political party.” In 2024, she announced she would retire from the Senate, stating in a video: “I believe in my approach but it’s not what America wants right now.”
Post-Senate Career
After leaving office, Sinema became a senior advisor at the law and lobbying firm Hogan Lovells in Washington, D.C. She has also advocated for research into psychedelic medicine, telling Politico in an interview that she spoke with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed similar sentiments about the medicinal use of psychedelic drugs.
The Key Allegations in the Lawsuit
The complaint contains detailed allegations about the relationship between Sinema and Matthew Ammel:
The Professional Relationship
Matthew Ammel began working for Sinema in April 2022 as part of her security detail. He had previously served in the U.S. Army with multiple deployments to the Middle East and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries as a result. By June 2024, Sinema allegedly offered Matthew Ammel a salaried position on her staff, and he eventually became her personal security guard and a defense and national security fellow.
Timeline of the Alleged Affair
According to the 14-page complaint, the relationship between Kyrsten Sinema and Matthew Ammel developed on or before 2023. The lawsuit alleges that Sinema, “with actual knowledge of the Marriage” between Heather and Matthew Ammel, “began to willfully and intentionally seduce, entice, and alienate the affections” of Matthew Ammel.
A significant warning came in fall 2023 when Sinema’s then-head of security resigned. Upon resignation, this security head disclosed to Matthew Ammel concerns that Sinema “was having sexual relations with other security members.” The head urged Matthew Ammel to leave the position, but Ammel refused, citing the job’s financial security.
During this period, Matthew Ammel began accompanying Kyrsten Sinema on work trips, including a trip to Napa Valley, California. Matthew Ammel reportedly informed his wife that should he and Sinema be seen together on this work trip, “it would have appeared as if they were on a romantic getaway.”
Specific Incidents Detailed in the Complaint
The lawsuit includes several notable claims about the nature of Sinema’s interactions with Matthew Ammel. Heather Ammel claimed in her suit that Ms. Sinema seduced her husband, breaking up their marriage through a series of actions including:
- Sending Matthew Ammel sexually suggestive photographs on Signal, the encrypted messaging app
- Having conversations of “romantic and lascivious natures” via Signal
- Choosing him specifically to accompany her on trips to Napa Valley, California
- Selecting him to attend events at the Sphere, an events venue in Las Vegas
- Meeting him under emotionally and physically romantic and sexual circumstances
- Having sexual encounters with him
- Paying for him to enter psychedelic treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues
- Encouraging him to bring drugs on work trips so she could guide him through a psychedelic trip
- Showering him with gifts and concert tickets
- Eventually entering into a sexual relationship with him that caused him to leave his family
The MDMA Allegation and Psychedelic Treatment
One of the more striking claims in the lawsuit involves psychedelic drugs and treatment. The complaint alleges that Kyrsten Sinema paid for Matthew Ammel to enter psychedelic treatment for his post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues stemming from his military service.
Additionally, starting in January 2024, when Heather Ammel discovered Signal messages between Sinema and her husband, she found that Sinema had encouraged Matthew Ammel to bring drugs on work trips so she could guide him through a psychedelic trip. This allegation has drawn particular attention given Sinema’s post-Senate advocacy for research into psychedelic medicine and her discussions with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed similar sentiments about the medicinal use of psychedelic drugs.
Questions About Campaign Finance
The lawsuit makes allegations about how these interactions were funded, though specific details about campaign committee funds are not detailed in the primary complaint. The nature of the work trips and the professional relationship raises questions about the use of official resources, which could draw scrutiny if substantiated.
Discovery of the Affair and Its Aftermath
Starting in January 2024, Heather Ammel discovered that Sinema frequently messaged her husband on the encrypted app Signal. These messages included a picture of Sinema “wrapped in a towel” and suggestions for their interactions.
In March 2024, a particularly concerning incident occurred. Matthew Ammel informed his wife that while serving as Sinema’s security at an event, the former Senator was getting “handsy” and that she “held his hand and touched him.” According to the complaint, Matthew Ammel expressed that “he didn’t know how to get out of the situation without offending” Sinema.
The lawsuit also details how Kyrsten Sinema allegedly invited Matthew Ammel alone to her hotel room and to her apartment on separate occasions, and had stayed with him and her friends in a private Airbnb.
Later, Heather Ammel confronted her husband about his relationship with Sinema. He “struggled to admit” to the affair, the complaint states, but expressed that he wanted a divorce. After a November work trip, the couple separated.
The complaint alleges that Matthew Ammel and Sinema remain romantically involved. Both appeared together at a forum in October, according to a LinkedIn post. Matthew Ammel has since filed for divorce.
What is Alienation of Affection?
The legal basis for this lawsuit rests on a rarely used but still valid tort claim known as “alienation of affections,” sometimes nicknamed the “homewrecker law.” This is a type of what’s known as a “heartbalm tort,” which allows a plaintiff to seek civil action and monetary compensation for the disruption of romantic relationships.
Definition and Legal Framework
A landmark 1957 North Carolina Supreme Court ruling, Bishop v. Glazener, established that “the essential elements of an action for alienation of affections are the marriage, the loss of affection or consortium, the wrongful and malicious conduct of the defendant, and a causal connection between such loss and such conduct.”
What States Still Recognize This Law?
North Carolina is one of only six states where “alienation of affections” legal claims are still allowed. The others are Hawaii, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Utah. Notably, the Utah state legislature is currently considering abolishing the right to such claims this year, which could reduce the number to five states.
Historical Context of the Law
Alienation of affections was largely recognized in the 1800s as a tort for when a female spouse was whisked away from her husband by a third party. This historical origin reflects outdated views of marriage where wives were often treated as property. Many states have since abolished alienation of affections statutes amid criticism that it treats spouses as property rather than recognizing them as autonomous individuals capable of making their own relationship decisions. Most states eliminated these laws decades ago, with Indiana becoming the first to ban it in 1935. Since then, 42 states have eliminated such claims.
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Elements Required to Prove Alienation of Affection
To succeed in an Alienation of Affection lawsuit in North Carolina, the plaintiff must prove three key elements: Genuine Love and Affection Existed in the Marriage, Love and Affection Were Alienated and Destroyed, and The Third Party’s Wrongful and Malicious Acts Caused the Alienation.
The plaintiff must demonstrate that a loving relationship existed before the third party’s interference, that this affection was destroyed, and that the defendant’s malicious conduct directly caused the loss of marital affection.
Does It Require Adultery?
While adultery is the most common scenario in these cases, it’s not strictly required. Alienation of Affection can also apply to other situations, such as in-laws or friends who encourage one spouse to leave the other. Any third party who intentionally interferes with the marriage can potentially be held liable.
Historical Context and Notable Cases in North Carolina
North Carolina has seen several high-profile alienation of affection cases in recent years:
Recent High-Profile Cases
In 2018, NFL star Fletcher Cox was sued by a North Carolina man who claimed the football player had an affair with his wife. The lawsuit ended in an undisclosed settlement.
In 2021, former state Sen. Rick Gunn settled a lawsuit filed by Arthur Johns for $3 million. Gunn was accused of having a long-running affair with Johns’ wife, who was Gunn’s legislative assistant.
Former North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore was named in a similar suit in 2023 after a former Apex town councilman alleged that a relationship Moore had with his wife destroyed the marriage. Moore, who now serves in Congress, acknowledged the relationship but denied legal wrongdoing in the case, which has since been settled.
Significant Jury Awards
The damages awarded in successful alienation of affection cases can be substantial. In 2011, Carol Puryear was awarded a $30 million judgment against Betty Devin in a case involving the former wife of Donald Puryear, who owns a trucking company in Raleigh.
A separate $3 million settlement occurred in a 2021 case involving a former state senator.
How Common Are These Cases?
Despite their sensational nature, alienation of affection lawsuits remain relatively rare. Around 200 to 250 are filed in North Carolina each year. Most don’t make it to trial, and only a few result in financial awards.
Most alienation of affection cases end up being settled out of court, as the emotional and financial costs of litigation can be substantial for all parties involved.
Legal Requirements and Procedures
Statute of Limitations
There’s a limited window to file these claims. The statute of limitations is three years from the last act of the defendant giving rise to the cause of action. For plaintiffs, this means careful documentation of when the interference with the marriage occurred is crucial.
Jurisdiction Issues
North Carolina courts can exercise jurisdiction over defendants who don’t live in the state through what’s called a “long arm” statute. This means that even though Sinema is a resident of Cave Creek, Arizona, the North Carolina court can require her to participate in the legal proceedings.
There are two potential avenues for filing such claims. Plaintiffs can file in Federal District Court using diversity jurisdiction if the parties are citizens of different states and the claim exceeds $75,000, or they can file directly in North Carolina state court.
What Evidence is Required?
Successful alienation of affection claims typically require substantial evidence, including proof of a genuine, loving marriage before the interference, clear evidence showing the love and affection was destroyed, documentation demonstrating that the third party’s malicious conduct caused the alienation, and consistency in witness testimony.
Evidence can include text messages, emails, photographs, testimony from friends and family, financial records showing gifts or travel, and expert witnesses regarding the state of the marriage.
The Controversy Surrounding Alienation of Affection Laws
These laws remain highly controversial, with critics arguing they’re outdated relics from a different era.
Arguments Against the Law
Critics contend that alienation of affection laws treat marriage as property, reduce complex relationship dynamics to simple cause and effect, can be used for extortion or blackmail, don’t account for the agency and responsibility of the spouse who had the affair, and are inconsistent with modern no-fault divorce principles.
In 2017, a case nearly resulted in the end of alienation of affection in North Carolina. However, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that only the legislature could end the practice. State lawmakers have attempted multiple times to pass bills ending the law but have failed each time.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters of the law argue it provides legal recourse for victims of marital interference, recognizes the real harm caused by affairs, serves as a deterrent to those who might pursue married individuals, and allows for compensation for emotional and financial damages.
What Happens Next in the Sinema Case?
The case is now proceeding in federal court, though the timeline remains uncertain.
Potential Outcomes
Several scenarios could unfold. The case could be settled out of court, with Sinema agreeing to pay damages without admitting wrongdoing. It could proceed to trial, where a jury would decide whether the allegations are proven and what damages, if any, should be awarded. Sinema could seek dismissal of the case on various legal grounds. Or both parties could reach a confidential settlement agreement, as occurs in most alienation of affection cases.
Broader Implications
Beyond the specific allegations, the case raises important questions about the use of campaign funds, the appropriateness of relationships between elected officials and staff members, the role of security personnel in protecting public figures, and whether antiquated legal doctrines like alienation of affection should continue to exist.
If the allegations about campaign fund misuse are substantiated, Sinema could face additional legal and ethical scrutiny beyond this civil lawsuit.
Responses and Current Status
As of now, Sinema has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. The former Senator and her attorney did not immediately respond to TIME’s request for comment. Her attorney at Hogan Lovells requested to move the case from North Carolina state court to federal court this week. Matthew Ammel’s attorney has also not provided a statement. Matthew Ammel currently lives in Maricopa County, Arizona, and has filed for divorce from Heather Ammel.
The case continues to develop, with court proceedings ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.
Practical Implications for Others
This high-profile case serves as a reminder of the legal risks that exist in states with alienation of affection laws.
For Individuals
Anyone involved with a married person in North Carolina, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Dakota, or Utah should be aware of potential civil liability. The law applies regardless of whether you’re in a professional relationship with the married person, and being from another state doesn’t protect you from jurisdiction in North Carolina courts.
For Employers and Public Figures
Organizations and public figures should be mindful of relationships between staff members and supervisors, ensure clear boundaries in professional relationships, provide training on workplace conduct and ethics, and establish policies regarding the use of organizational funds.
For Those Considering Legal Action
If you believe your marriage has been interfered with by a third party in one of the six states that recognize alienation of affection, consult with an experienced family law attorney, gather evidence documenting the affair and its impact on your marriage, consider the emotional and financial costs of litigation, and be prepared for a lengthy legal process.
Remember that pursuing such a claim can be emotionally taxing, financially demanding, and may not provide the closure you seek.
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Conclusion
The lawsuit against former Senator Kyrsten Sinema is one of the most high-profile alienation of affection cases in years. It shows that this controversial law still exists in a few states and raises questions about professional boundaries, campaign funds, and public vs. private life.
The case is likely to attract more attention and spark debates about whether such laws should still exist. It also reminds us that interfering in someone’s marriage can have serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences.
