Sinema’s Independence Campaign Allegedly Led to Marriage Breakdown

In an unusual lawsuit, Heather Ammel, the ex-wife of a former bodyguard for Kyrsten Sinema, claims that Sinema’s independent political campaign negatively affected their 14-year marriage by engaging in an affair with him. Apparent accusations include Sinema encouraging psychedelic use during their travels together.

According to the lawsuit, Heather states that she and her husband were happily married before Sinema’s involvement. She describes that Sinema’s actions led to the destruction of their marital love and affection.

The lawsuit was filed in North Carolina, a state that allows individuals to sue a spouse’s extramarital partner under “home destruction” laws, and Heather is seeking over $25,000 in damages. This legal action was initiated in September and officially submitted in federal court recently.

Matthew Ammel, a veteran who has faced mental health challenges, began working for Sinema’s security team in 2022. The lawsuit suggests that he resigned more than a year later due to concerns that Sinema was romantically involved with another member of the security staff. Reports indicate that Sinema encouraged Matthew to leave with her, but he chose to stay for financial stability.

Following his resignation, Matthew accompanied Sinema on trips, including one to Napa Valley, and witnesses reportedly described it as a romantic getaway.

Their communication reportedly intensified, even when Matthew was home with his children. Heather claims that she found messages that suggested a romantic relationship between them, including some inappropriate content. Sinema is alleged to have offered Matthew help with his mental health and encouraged him to try substances like MDMA.

The lawsuit notes that after a series of exchanges, which included intimate conversations, Matthew shared about mundane activities that Heather interpreted as flirtations with Sinema. There’s ambiguity regarding how Heather became aware of these private messages.

Moreover, the accusations detail that Sinema began gifting Matthew items and funded his mental health treatments. She even invited him to social events, contributing to feelings of betrayal for Heather.

Heather and Matthew’s separation occurred in November 2024. The lawsuit argues that Sinema acted with knowledge of their marriage and deliberately sought to undermine it by courting Matthew’s affections.

The media has attempted to reach out to Sinema’s legal representative for comments on this matter.