Second gentleman admits extramarital relationship was a factor in his divorce

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff disclosed on Saturday that he had been in an extramarital relationship years ago, which ultimately led to the end of his first marriage. He acknowledged the impact of his actions on his first wife, Kerstin. Despite the challenges they faced, he expressed that they worked through their issues as a family and emerged stronger on the other side.

Following a report by the Daily Mail, Emhoff released a statement detailing his previous affair. It was revealed that Vice President Kamala Harris was aware of this before they got married. The affair was also known to the team that conducted background checks on Harris before she was chosen as Joe Biden’s running mate in 2020.

Emhoff and Harris met in 2013 on a blind date and tied the knot the next year. While this was Harris’ first marriage, it was Emhoff’s second. Harris’ stepchildren, Ella and Cole Emhoff, were teenagers at the time of their parents’ marriage.

Kerstin Emhoff, Doug’s first wife, has expressed admiration for Harris, referring to her as a co-parent to her daughters. She commended the co-parenting dynamic they have established and supported Doug after he publicly acknowledged the affair. Kerstin emphasized that their decision to end their marriage was made many years ago and that they maintain a positive relationship as co-parents.