Doug Emhoff addresses allegations of past incident at overseas event

In May 2012, during a trip to the Cannes Film Festival in France, allegations surfaced that Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman of the United States, slapped his then-girlfriend, referred to as "Jane." The incident reportedly occurred while they were waiting in a valet line, allegedly triggered by Jane's flirtation with a valet. The claims were made by unnamed sources to the Daily Mail, which included a female attorney who stated she learned about the incident from Jane herself. Emhoff's representative has denied the allegations, asserting that any suggestion he has ever hit a woman is false. Emhoff addressed the claims during an interview, labeling them as distractions from more significant issues facing the country. He emphasized the importance of focusing on responsibilities rather than engaging with tabloid stories. The allegations have not been independently verified, and the Harris campaign, along with other parties, declined to comment on the matter, despite multiple requests for clarification. The controversy has drawn attention, particularly in light of the political climate and the potential implications for Emhoff and his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, as they navigate their public roles amidst scrutiny.