mental health

Ella Emhoff Shut Down Rumors About Her Mental Health

Harris Calls Trump To Concede, Congratulate Him On Win
Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Last week, an image of Ella Emhoff crying during her stepmother Kamala Harris’s concession speech went viral. Emhoff reposted the photo on Instagram, writing: “We are all gonna get through this. It just fucking hurts like a bitch right now and that’s ok.” It didn’t take long for right-wing trolls to run wild with unsubstantiated rumors about her mental health.

Emhoff addressed the rumors on Saturday, writing on her Instagram Story: “There’s a rumor about me having a mental breakdown and getting checked into a hospital.” She denied the rumor, writing “Not true,” and continued: “Also fuck you if you’re out there spreading that. Theres nothing wrong with showing emotion and crying. Anyone who says there is probably needs a good cry.”

She added: “I’ve struggled with my mental health my whole life and I’m not ashamed of it.” Referencing the photo — a selfie with her dog, Jerry — she wrote that she has “literally just been here playing fetch with Jerry.”

Throughout Harris’s campaign, the blended family has been a united front in support of “Momala” — Ella and Cole Emhoff’s nickname for their stepmother when she first married their father, Doug Emhoff. The siblings’ mother, Kerstin Emhoff, has also been vocally supportive of Harris, endorsing her as a candidate and defending her from right-wing attacks over her lack of biological children. Kerstin also defended her daughter, writing on X: “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.”

Ella Emhoff Shut Down Rumors About Her Mental Health