Rep. Max Miller, the Ohio Republican, filed a defamation lawsuit Wednesday against his ex-wife and her legal team in county court in Ohio. Miller claims they orchestrated a "defamatory campaign" to portray him as violent and abusive toward their child, damaging his reelection prospects.
The lawsuit represents Miller's legal counterattack following allegations from his ex-wife that surfaced during his 2022 campaign. Those claims included domestic violence accusations that drew attention during his bid to retain his seat representing Ohio's 7th District. Miller won that race in 2022 despite the controversy.
The complaint names his ex-wife and her attorneys as defendants, accusing them of making false statements designed to harm Miller's reputation and electoral performance. Miller contends the allegations lack factual basis and were made with knowledge of their falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth. Such allegations form the basis of defamation claims under Ohio law.
Miller, a former Trump administration official who served as an assistant to President Donald Trump, has repeatedly denied domestic violence allegations. His legal filing argues the statements caused concrete harm to his career and standing in his district. The lawsuit seeks damages for the harm inflicted through what Miller characterizes as coordinated false statements.
The case enters Ohio's court system as Miller serves his second term in Congress. His 2022 victory demonstrated that Ohio voters were willing to overlook the domestic violence allegations, though the controversy marked his campaign. The new legal action suggests Miller intends to aggressively contest the narrative surrounding those claims.
Defamation cases involving public figures face a higher legal standard under the Supreme Court's decision in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, requiring proof that statements were made with actual malice. Miller must establish that defendants knew statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for truth. The burden places significant weight on the plaintiff