Controversy Erupts
Conservative pundit Megyn Kelly has recently expressed her strong disapproval of a Washington Post opinion piece that depicted Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman of the United States, as a “progressive sex symbol.” The article, written by Catherine Rampell, characterized Emhoff — an entertainment lawyer and spouse of Vice President Kamala Harris — as epitomizing “the modern female fantasy.” This description has provoked a vehement reaction from Kelly, who branded the portrayal as “absolutely revolting.”
Rampell’s column highlighted Emhoff’s supportive role in his wife’s career, noting that he is “confident enough in his masculinity to occasionally put his wife’s ambitions ahead of his own.” Rampell elaborated, “He’s a high-achieving alpha but isn’t unsettled if his wife is, too.”
Kelly, however, took aim at Rampell, suggesting that the piece was a strategic move to win back left-leaning readers after previously critiquing Harris’s economic strategies. “She’s the one who wrote the piece dismantling Kamala’s economic plan... maybe don’t suggest communism as your economic blueprint,” Kelly commented. She further lambasted Rampell’s new piece as an attempt to redeem her reputation with Democrats.
In addition to this, Kelly inaccurately mentioned Emhoff’s prior marriage, erroneously claiming an affair with a nanny that resulted in pregnancy. In truth, Emhoff has publicly acknowledged an extramarital relationship with a teacher before his marriage to Harris. According to reports by the Daily Mail, the affair led to a miscarriage in 2009. Emhoff has openly addressed these issues, stating, “During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions. I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side.”
Kerstin Emhoff, Doug’s ex-wife, also shared her thoughts, praising their current family arrangement. “He is a wonderful father to our children, remains a great friend to me, and I am truly proud of the supportive and harmonious blended family Doug, Kamala, and I have created together,” she affirmed.
