Emily Moreno, daughter of Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH), filed a restraining order on July 30, 2026, against her ex-husband, Rep. Max Miller (R-OH), in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The order alleges that Miller grabbed her lawyer, Andrew Zashin, during an encounter. Moreno stated in the court filing that Miller physically touched Zashin without consent and expressed concern that he would continue to harass and threaten her counsel.
Miller is currently involved in a defamation lawsuit against Moreno and Zashin, claiming they spread domestic abuse allegations against him. Moreno's legal team has moved to dismiss this lawsuit based on a new Ohio law protecting free speech on public matters. Miller denies the allegations.
The couple is also engaged in a custody battle over their two-year-old daughter. Miller has accused Moreno of making false domestic violence claims in a separate legal case, which a judge recently dismissed. The restraining order includes a statement from Miller's attorney, Larry Zukerman, who noted that Miller struggles with self-control.
Moreno has made serious allegations against Miller, including claims of physical abuse and threats. Bernie Moreno has not commented extensively on the situation but emphasized the safety of his daughter and granddaughter. Additionally, former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham has accused Miller of abuse, leading to a defamation lawsuit from Miller against her, which was settled in 2023.
Miller is running for a third term in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District amid these legal challenges and could face ethics scrutiny from the House ethics committee, as called for by members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. They have urged a thorough investigation into the allegations against him, emphasizing the seriousness of violence against women and children.