A bombshell lawsuit has been filed against former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, alleging that she engaged in a romantic and sexual affair with her bodyguard, causing the breakdown of his 14-year marriage. The suit, brought by Heather Ammel, the wife of Matthew Ammel, claims that Sinema intentionally interfered with the couple’s marriage through a series of inappropriate actions spanning multiple years.
Kyrsten Sinema, 49, who represented Arizona in the Senate from 2019 to 2025—first as a Democrat and later as an independent—has been accused of “intentional and malicious interference” in her bodyguard’s marital life. Heather Ammel alleges that the affair began shortly after Matthew Ammel, a special forces veteran, joined Sinema’s security team in 2022. According to the complaint, Sinema and Ammel frequently traveled together for work, both domestically and internationally, during which the senator allegedly invited him to her hotel room.
The lawsuit details several claims about Sinema’s conduct, including an alleged request that Ammel bring MDMA, also known as ecstasy, on a work trip in 2023 so that she could “guide him through a psychedelic experience.” The complaint further alleges explicit messaging between Sinema and Ammel, in which sexual preferences and intentions were discussed, including messages about sexual positions and sexual acts. Heather Ammel is seeking $25,000 in damages under a North Carolina law that allows a spouse to sue for “alienation of affection” resulting from wrongful and malicious conduct, such as an affair.
The couple’s travels with Sinema included concerts such as U2 in Las Vegas, Green Day in Washington, D.C., and Taylor Swift in Miami. Matthew Ammel also reportedly accompanied the senator on a foreign trip to Saudi Arabia. The lawsuit highlights that Sinema instructed Ammel to remove his wedding ring during public outings, allegedly to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
Heather Ammel claims that the affair directly led to the breakdown of their marriage in late 2024. She alleges that she was emotionally devastated, financially strained, and ultimately compelled to pursue divorce proceedings as a result of Sinema’s alleged misconduct. Matthew Ammel had been employed by Sinema from 2022 until 2025, first through campaign and PAC funding and later through an official Congressional role. According to public records, Ammel’s official position as a Defense and National Security Fellow in Sinema’s Senate office paid him more than $90,000 for six months of work between June 2024 and January 2025, with compensation reportedly increasing sharply after Sinema left office.
The lawsuit also touches on Sinema’s advocacy for psychedelic therapies. Matthew Ammel, who suffers from PTSD and a traumatic brain injury, reportedly used psychedelic drugs like MDMA and ibogaine to help manage symptoms. Sinema, both during her Senate tenure and afterward as a lobbyist, pushed for the consideration of these substances as valid treatments for mental health conditions, particularly for veterans. The complaint cites a Phoenix New Times interview in which Sinema praised Ammel’s personal progress after participating in ibogaine treatment abroad, calling him an inspiration for her work.
According to the allegations, Sinema’s actions included not only sexual communications but also gifts, such as a Theragun electric massager she purchased for Ammel and requested he bring to her apartment. She is also accused of sending photos of herself in revealing attire and expressing sentiments of longing in text messages after Ammel returned home. Heather Ammel reportedly confronted Sinema with messages questioning the affair, asking, “Are you having an affair with my husband? You took a married man away from his family.”
The lawsuit paints a detailed picture of repeated interactions that allegedly undermined the Ammels’ marriage, combining travel, gifts, intimate communications, and public appearances. Sinema’s supporters have historically praised her bold fashion choices and her willingness to cross party lines, but these allegations, if proven, threaten to overshadow her political legacy.
Legal experts note that lawsuits of this type, based on “alienation of affection,” are rare but still recognized in certain states, including North Carolina. The claim requires proof that a third party intentionally interfered in a marital relationship, causing the breakdown of the union. Heather Ammel’s legal team argues that Sinema’s alleged actions meet these criteria, citing the affair, explicit communication, and ongoing interaction that directly impacted the marriage.
The case raises questions about boundaries, power dynamics, and ethics in professional and political contexts. Sinema’s dual role as a high-profile elected official and an individual allegedly engaged in an intimate relationship with a subordinate highlights concerns about potential abuse of authority and personal judgment. The lawsuit also underscores the challenges that former public figures may face in maintaining privacy and navigating post-office relationships.
In addition to the personal ramifications, the affair, as alleged, intersects with broader public policy and advocacy. Sinema’s support for the use of MDMA and ibogaine for PTSD treatment has been a notable part of her post-Senate lobbying efforts. Advocates for psychedelic therapies have praised her efforts, noting that she has pushed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider scientific evidence supporting the medical use of such substances for mental health conditions, particularly for veterans. Critics, however, may view the allegations in the lawsuit as complicating her credibility and public image, blurring the line between professional advocacy and personal conduct.
Public reactions to the lawsuit have been mixed. Some commentators express shock at the allegations, particularly regarding the use of controlled substances and the intimate nature of the communications between Sinema and her former bodyguard. Others suggest that the case underscores the complexities of personal relationships intersecting with positions of political power. The case is expected to receive heightened media attention due to Sinema’s prominence, the international scope of the alleged interactions, and the detailed nature of the claims.
The lawsuit also raises practical and legal questions about the accountability of elected officials and former officials when personal misconduct allegedly intersects with employment matters. Matthew Ammel’s status as both a former employee and a subject of the lawsuit highlights the complexities inherent in claims involving high-profile figures, workplace relationships, and intimate conduct.
While Sinema has not publicly responded to the lawsuit at this time, the case is likely to be closely watched by legal experts, political analysts, and the public alike. It represents an unusual intersection of personal relationships, federal employment, and state law, and could have long-term implications for both Sinema’s personal reputation and broader discussions about ethical boundaries in public office.
Ultimately, the lawsuit filed by Heather Ammel against Kyrsten Sinema presents a highly charged narrative combining politics, personal conduct, and legal claims. The allegations, if proven, could have serious repercussions for Sinema’s public image and legacy, while also raising broader societal questions about accountability, power, and the responsibilities of individuals in positions of authority. The combination of high-profile politics, allegations of personal misconduct, and involvement of controlled substances ensures that this story will remain a focal point of public and media discussion in the coming months.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
