Imagine your marriage crumbling because of a powerful figure's alleged interference. That's the explosive claim at the heart of a lawsuit targeting former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema. A former bodyguard's ex-wife is suing Sinema, accusing her of 'alienation of affection' and seeking at least $75,000 in damages. But here's where it gets controversial: 'Alienation of affection' lawsuits are incredibly rare these days, only permitted in a handful of states.
The lawsuit, filed in North Carolina, alleges that Sinema engaged in a romantic relationship with Matthew Ammel, a member of her security detail, ultimately leading to the demise of his marriage to Heather Ammel. According to the suit, Matthew and Heather Ammel enjoyed a loving marriage characterized by “genuine love and affection” before Sinema allegedly pursued Matthew Ammel despite knowing he was married.
The timeline, as presented in court documents, paints a picture of escalating involvement. Matthew Ammel, a military veteran, was hired to Sinema's security detail in 2022 after retiring from the army. The lawsuit claims he accompanied her on trips to various locations, including Napa Valley, Las Vegas, and even Saudi Arabia. And this is the part most people miss: the lawsuit contends that the relationship wasn't just professional.
The legal filing details how Heather Ammel discovered “romantic and lascivious” messages exchanged between her husband and Sinema on the Signal messaging app in early 2024. The suit further alleges that Matthew Ammel stopped wearing his wedding ring around that time, and Sinema subsequently offered him a position as a national security fellow in her Senate office, all while he continued to serve as her bodyguard. It's a tangled web of professional and personal relationships.
The suit goes even further, claiming that Sinema paid for Matthew Ammel's psychedelic treatment. Ammel, the lawsuit states, has struggled with post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injuries stemming from his military deployments in Afghanistan and the Middle East. While it's presented as a potential act of care, others might interpret this as an overreach by the Senator.
Neither Sinema nor her attorney have publicly responded to requests for comment on the allegations. The lawsuit was initially filed quietly late last year in Moore County, North Carolina. This week, Sinema's legal team requested the suit be moved from state court to federal court, a move that could significantly impact the proceedings.
North Carolina is one of the few states that still recognize the tort of "alienation of affection," which allows a former spouse to sue a third party for damages caused by the breakup of their marriage. This legal concept is rooted in the idea that a marriage is a valuable asset, and a third party who intentionally interferes with it can be held liable. But is it fair to place the blame solely on the third party? Some argue that the responsibility ultimately lies with the individuals in the marriage.
Sinema, who left Congress after declining to seek re-election in 2024 and becoming an independent after alienating both liberals and the Democratic party, now works for the Washington-based legal and lobbying firm Hogan Lovells. Her current work includes lobbying for data center development and research funding for the psychedelic drug ibogaine.
This case raises a lot of questions. Is it appropriate for a public figure to engage in a romantic relationship with a member of their security detail? Should states continue to allow 'alienation of affection' lawsuits? And ultimately, who is responsible when a marriage falls apart? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
