Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema admitted in court filings of having a “romantic and intimate” affair with her bodyguard, whose wife is suing the former Democrat under a North Carolina “homewrecker” law.
Sinema filed court documents on March 12 asking a judge to dismiss the case, arguing that she was never intimate with Matthew Ammel, wife of Heather Ammel, in the married couple’s home state of North Carolina.
North Carolina is one of only a few states where spouses can sue a third party for alienation of affection. Sinema maintains the affair unfolded “exclusively outside” of North Carolina.
Sinema did admit that she had been intimate with her bodyguard in four other states and Washington, D.C. — but never in North Carolina. She detailed encounters in Sonoma, California, in late May 2024 — approximately two months after her decision to not run again for elected office, and several months before Matthew separated from his wife. They were also intimate in Colorado, New York, Arizona, and D.C.
Sinema went on to say that “100%” of her phone calls and email communications with Matthew occurred when he was outside North Carolina – and largely related to his work as part of her Senate security detail, which involved frequent travel.
Heather Ammel said she found text messages “of romantic and lascivious” natures, including a photo of Sinema in a towel. Heather also accuses Sinema of paying for treatment of Matthew’s PTSD, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injuries with psychedelic drugs.
Sinema says she has “no recollection” of suggesting Matthew bring the drug MDMA on a work trip so she could “guide him through a psychedelic experience.”
The former Senator has openly advocated for psychedelic medicine and been outspoken about her experience undergoing ibogaine treatment to prevent dementia.