Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris's stepdaughter Ella Emhoff set the record straight about her having an alleged "mental breakdown" following the 2024 election in which Republican former President Donald Trump won a second non-consecutive term in the Oval Office.
The alleged rumor of Emhoff's mental state seemed to originate from a MAGA source on social media as far-right Trump supporters continued their boastful victory lap over the Democratic loss.
An account belonging to Bad Hombre, which has 126K followers on X (formerly Twitter), wrote a misleading post that reached over 7 million views.
It falsely stated:
"Woah! Ella Emhoff, Kamala’s step-daughter, suffered a mental breakdown yesterday afternoon due to the grief from Kamala’s humiliating loss, and was admitted to an in-patient mental health crisis center in NY."
Emhoff addressed the unfounded claim on her Instagram Story, writing, "Ok I'm just gonna go out and say it."
The 25-year-old daughter of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff said on Sunday:
"There's a rumor about me having a mental breakdown and getting checked into a hospital."
"Not true," she said and admonished those circulating the unfounded rumor.
"Also f'k you if you’re out there spreading that," she wrote.
Emhoff also gave her two cents about people feeling disheartened in front of others, writing:
“There’s nothing wrong with showing emotion and crying. Anyone who says there is probably needs a good cry.”
Emhoff, who is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, continued sharing that she's struggled with mental health her whole life.
“I’m not ashamed of it," she said, adding that she was playing fetch with her dog, Jerry, as seen in the accompanying photo.
@ellaemhoff/Instagram
Those who are still processing the Democratic loss responded positively to Emhoff's post.
Her mother, Kerstin Emhoff also responded to the false rumor, writing:
"More MAGA bs against my family. Leave my kids alone!!!"
"Ella is doing great and spending a lovely day with her mom! Having the ability to show your emotions is something we should all hope for."
"It’s ok to not feel great right now. We aren’t letting anyone break our family down."
People were furious over conservatives' repeated attacks on the vulnerable and they came to the defense of the Emhoffs.
Following the election loss, where a convicted felon was favored over a prosecutor for the White House, Harris's stepdaughter said she felt "truly no words," on social media.
She continued:
“We are all gonna get through this. It just f'king hurts right now and that’s OK."
"The fight doesn’t stop here. Just check in on your people right now."
"This is the time to organize, mobilize and make a difference in your communities big and small."
"I’m here for all of you and I love you guys.”
@ellaemhoff/Instagram
Republicans bullying the emotional children of Democratic political figures on social media is nothing new.
In August, notable right-winger Ann Coulter mocked Gus Walz, the son of Harris's running mate, Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, for being overcome with tears watching his father deliver an empowering speech at the Democratic National Convention.
Despite the media's acknowledgment of the 17-year-old being neurodivergent, nonverbal, and having a learning disorder, Coulter joined other right-wingers in ridiculing Gus Walz with cruel remarks on what it is to be a man, calling the high schooler "weird," for crying tears of joy for his dad.
@JamesTate121/X
