Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) was subjected to months of “relentless abuse and harassment” in which her family, staff, and fellow members of Congress were repeatedly contacted and “inflicted grave fear.” He filed for a restraining order against his ex-girlfriend. [her] Personal safety and well-being. ”
court document obtained by politiko Mr Porter, who is scheduled to vacate his seat in the House of Commons in January after an unsuccessful Senate campaign, has been granted a temporary restraining order against his former colleague Julian Willis until his next hearing in December. revealed that.
The lawmaker cited “defamatory” claims allegedly made by Mr Willis, including that Mr Porter had genital herpes, but test results were submitted to court and proved to be false. said it was aimed at causing “serious damage” to her public image.
Willis, 55, who had been in a long-term relationship with Porter, 50, and lived in her home until she was asked to leave in late August, is also accused of having contact with her children and ex-husband. .
In an email sent to the congressman's ex-husband, Matthew Hoffman, and his son, Willis allegedly threatened to “put a hammer down on Katie and shatter her and her life into a million pieces.” .
“If you don't fully understand what's going on at this point, let me break it down for you. The noose is getting tighter around Katie's neck,” Porter said her ex-boyfriend wrote. denounced.
All told, Willis allegedly sent more than 1,000 text messages and emails to Porter and those close to her since their breakup in August.
Willis also allegedly threatened to report Porter to Child Protective Services (CPS) and apparently tried to remove the children and extort money from her.
“He has already contacted at least three reporters to spread false and harmful information about me and my children. As a prominent politician, this threat is a serious threat to my career and personal reputation.” poses a risk,” Porter's petition reads.
Porter, who lost his seat in the Democratic primary, said Willis struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues during their time together, leading to two involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations since 2022.
“I witnessed him abusing prescription painkillers, vaping Ritalin, abusing marijuana and nicotine patches,” Porter claimed. “He has also previously disclosed to me his use of cocaine and nitrous oxide ('whippet'). ”
Willis also reportedly contacted members of Congress, at least one of whom “reported receiving disturbing messages.” politiko Reported.
Porter said she also reached out to her close friends and mentors, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and her husband Bruce H. Mann.
Court documents show Willis asked to speak with the senator about his and Porter's situation, but it is unclear whether the two had any further contact.
In his petition, Porter said Willis should not contact “dozens” of current and former colleagues who have reported receiving “unpleasant,” “threatening” or “abusive” messages. , sought a no-contact and curfew order.
She also asked the judge to require Willis to stay at least 100 yards away from her home, work and children's school, and the restraining order covers all three of her children and 78 They also requested that mothers aged 10 and over should also be included.
“This is a very unfortunate situation,” the lawmaker said. politiko. “Mr. Willis has been well-documented to have mental health and substance abuse issues. As the records filed today show, I have ended our relationship and asked him to leave the house. Since then, these issues have only gotten worse. Over the past few weeks, his threats against my family and colleagues have increased in frequency and intensity, and I feel compelled to seek this order from the court. I really hope he gets the help he needs.”
Willis released a statement to the media claiming that Porter wanted a restraining order to avoid lawsuits and media appearances.
“This is how she fights everything,” he said.
He also claimed to have been sober for more than three years, but texts provided by Porter allegedly show he was aware of his substance abuse in 2022.
“She's a monster,” Willis added.
Willis was previously arrested following an altercation at NBC San Diego's Porter Town Hall event in Irvine in July 2021. report He was reportedly released with citations.
“There was some opposition at City Hall,” Irvine police said. It got heated and punches started flying. One man had a nosebleed. ”
