Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema has provided explicit details regarding her affair with Matthew Ammel, her former bodyguard, during a deposition that took place on July 31. This revelation comes amidst a legal battle with Ammel’s ex-wife, Heather Ammel, who is pursuing a lawsuit under North Carolina’s alienation of affection law.
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In her testimony, Sinema recounted the beginnings of the affair, stating that it commenced in May 2024 at an Airbnb located in Napa, California. She vividly recalled their first romantic interaction – a kiss outside, which led to sexual relations inside the rental property. Sinema confirmed that the affair continued for several months, including encounters in various locations across the United States.
Heather Ammel filed her lawsuit in January, alleging that Sinema “willfully and intentionally” seduced her husband of 14 years. In the proceedings, Heather is seeking damages exceeding $75,000. Although Sinema does not dispute the existence of the affair, she contends that the lawsuit is inappropriate under North Carolina law, arguing that the affair did not occur within the state’s jurisdiction.
During her deposition, Sinema elaborated on the timeline of their relationship. Following the initial encounter in Napa, she mentioned that a further meeting took place in New York City while attending the wedding of CNN anchor Jessica Dean. Despite having separate hotel accommodations, Sinema noted that they shared intimate moments in her hotel room.
Further instances of their encounters were detailed by Sinema, which included sexual relations at her Washington, D.C. apartment in July, another rendezvous in Aspen, Colorado in mid-August, and at her house in Phoenix in October of that year. Sinema acknowledged that she had been aware of Ammel’s marriage and his three children throughout the duration of their relationship.
The deposition also examined a collection of text messages exchanged between Sinema and Ammel. In one message, she sent him a photo of herself in a towel with cupping marks visible on her body. While Sinema professed no recollection of sending the image, she suggested that the context of their chats might have revolved around her interests as an endurance athlete.
A message sent by Sinema in October 2024 read, “Putting my hand on my heart. I’ll see you soon. I miss you.” When confronted about the potential implications of such a message being interpreted by Ammel’s wife, Sinema acknowledged that it could understandably raise concerns.
For her part, Heather Ammel, during her own deposition, painted her husband as an “established liar and manipulator.” She described Sinema as “insidious,” alleging that the politician willingly pursued an affair that resulted in breaking up their family.
The fallout from these depositions is expected to continue with an evidentiary hearing set for August 19. As details of this high-profile case unfold, the implications of the affair and the surrounding legal principles regarding alienation of affection are attracting considerable public interest.
Sinema, who has maintained a relatively public profile as a political figure, now finds herself embroiled in a scandal that highlights both personal and ethical dilemmas. This case may not only impact her own reputation but could also provoke broader discussions around the complexities of personal relationships intersecting with professional responsibilities.