A New York attorney, identified only as “Jane,” has come forward with allegations about an incident involving Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, writes the New York Post.
The incident allegedly occurred following a gala dinner event at the Cannes Film Festival in the South of France.
The alleged incident
According to Jane’s account to the Daily Mail, the incident took place between 2-3 a.m. in a taxi line outside the event. While attempting to negotiate with a valet, she claims Emhoff approached her unexpectedly:
“As I’m talking to him, Doug got out of the line, comes up, turns me around by my right shoulder,” she recounted. “I’m completely caught off guard, I’m not bracing, I’m in four inch heels, wearing a full-length gown… He slaps me so hard I spin around, and I’m in utter shock.”
Jane states there had been no prior argument or confrontation. After the alleged incident, she says she slapped him back and attempted to leave alone in a taxi, though Emhoff reportedly entered the vehicle despite her objections. According to her account, Emhoff later suggested they were “even” because she had retaliated, and claimed he thought she had been flirting with the valet.
Story has been corroborated
The Daily Mail reports that three friends have corroborated Jane’s story:
- Two heard about it immediately after the alleged incident.
- One was told about six years later.
The publication has presented supporting evidence, including:
- Blurred photos showing Jane and Emhoff together.
- Flight information confirming the trip to France.
Background of the Relationship
Jane and Emhoff reportedly met on Match.com in early 2012, while she was living in New York and he in Los Angeles. Their relationship lasted several months, during which:
- They had their first date in March 2012, joined by Emhoff’s eldest son
- She visited his home in Los Angeles in April 2012
- The relationship ended shortly after the Cannes incident
Emhoff denies the allegations
A spokesperson for Emhoff has denied the accusations, stating to Semafor: “Any suggestion that he would or has ever hit a woman is false.”
When recently questioned about “tabloid stories” on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Emhoff responded by saying, “It’s all a distraction. It’s designed to try to get us off our game,” without directly addressing the specific allegations.
Jane, who along with her husband was previously a registered Democrat and Biden supporter, expressed frustration about what she describes as Emhoff’s “completely fabricated persona” in public life. She stated that while the incident was “very hurtful at the time,” she now views it as a revealing moment that helped her end the relationship.
The Harris-Walz campaign and the Office of the Vice Presidency were contacted for comment on these allegations.
