Doug Emhoff, husband of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, has confessed to an affair with a nanny over a decade ago, as new allegations suggest he may have fathered the woman's child.
The New York Post reported that the revelation has brought to light Emhoff's actions during his first marriage and has raised issues within Harris' circle.
Emhoff has openly acknowledged his infidelity during his first marriage to Kerstin Emhoff. He admitted to having an affair with Najen Naylor, a nanny who taught at a private school where Emhoff's children were enrolled.
Naylor, who is blonde and taught at The Willows private elementary school in Culver City, is said to have not kept the baby resulting from the affair, according to a close friend. Emhoff publicized this affair in a statement to CNN, though he refrained from naming Naylor or commenting on her alleged pregnancy.
Reflecting on his actions, Emhoff stated, “During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions. I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side.”
Though Naylor did not outright deny the affair or pregnancy when approached by the Daily Mail, her neighbor mentioned that she was pregnant three years ago, claiming the child was from a sperm donor. Another close friend confirmed that Naylor does have a small child but noted there are no teenage children seen at her home.
Stacey Brooks, a friend of Naylor, acknowledged the claims but indicated an inability to discuss the matter without Naylor's consent. Another source close to Naylor outright denied the pregnancy allegations, asserting, “There was no baby. I would know.”
The affair was disclosed to President Biden’s vetting committee four years ago before Harris was chosen as his running mate. Emhoff had also informed Harris about the affair before their marriage.
The recent resurfacing of this disclosure has reportedly caused concern within Harris' camp, pointing towards potential political implications as Harris approaches the 2024 election cycle.
Naylor expressed her unease, stating to the media, “I’m kind of freaked out right now.” Her neighbor also stated about Naylor’s child, "When she moved in three years ago, she was pregnant and said the baby was from a sperm donor."
Emhoff, an outspoken advocate for abortion rights, commented on his stance, saying, “This is an issue of fairness to women.” The Vice President's husband's personal life and views have been put in the spotlight following these claims.
Following the affair, Naylor reportedly left her job at The Willows private elementary school. Parents from the school described Naylor in positive terms, with one stating, “[Naylor] was a lovely person, a great teacher to my kids.”
However, a friend close to Naylor maintained, “She was adorable; everyone loved her; she was the best teacher. Every parent wanted her to be the teacher for their kid.”
Investigations have shown no birth records for babies with the last name “Naylor” or “Emhoff” in Los Angeles County during the years in question, 2008 or 2009. This absence of records adds to the murky nature of this affair.
Doug Emhoff and his ex-wife, Kerstin, divorced in 2009, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Emhoff has stated that the family has moved past his actions, although the recent public exposure has reignited interest.
Naylor's background and the claims surrounding her pregnancy remain in dispute among those familiar with her. Dough Emhoff's attempts to manage this aspect of his past have nonetheless thrust both him and his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, back into the public's scrutiny at a pivotal time.
The revelations of Doug Emhoff's past affair and the subsequent allegations of an illegitimate child have compounded the layers of this unfolding story. At its core, the situation has impacted both his public image and the private lives of those involved.
This story highlights the complex nature of personal indiscretions and their potential to intersect with and influence public roles, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of private decisions made over a decade ago.
