In a surprising twist, allegations against second gentleman Doug Emhoff have surfaced, in which it is claimed that he slapped a former girlfriend during a 2012 Cannes Film Festival misunderstanding.

The claims about Emhoff, whose public image emphasizes his supposed support of women, have been corroborated by three friends of the alleged victim and have brought unwanted attention due to his current high-profile role as the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, as the New York Post reports

The alleged event took place in May 2012 iteration of the renowned festival. Emhoff was reportedly upset when his then-girlfriend, a New York attorney, interacted with a valet worker.

After perceiving this interaction as flirtatious, Emhoff allegedly slapped the woman, causing her to turn around from the impact.

New Details Emerge About Cannes Incident

The woman, who chose not to comment on the allegations, had her story confirmed by three unnamed friends, according to the Daily Mail. One of her friends recounted that Emhoff seemed to be under the influence of alcohol during the incident and that the woman was caught completely off guard by his reaction.

The relationship between the woman and Emhoff began online, having met each other on Match.com, and lasted about three months. The alleged slapping incident occurred approximately a year before Emhoff met Kamala Harris, whom he later married in August 2014.

At the time of the incident, photographic evidence and trip documents placed the couple in France, aligning with the accusations. Following the slap, the woman reportedly contacted a businessman friend from a cab, informing him she was hit by Emhoff. This prompted concerns and an attempt to reach her, but repeated calls went unanswered.

Role as Public Supporter for Women

Friends of the woman described being deeply concerned about her, considering that she was a strong and capable individual. They indicated that she was "in shock" following the incident, and one friend emphasized the unexpected nature of the attack.

In the aftermath, it was reported that Emhoff forced his way into the same cab after being confronted about the incident. The woman purportedly slapped Emhoff in retaliation and sought to distance herself from him completely. Emhoff, described as unapologetic, ended the trip earlier than planned to return to Los Angeles.

Separately, historical claims about Emhoff's alleged infidelities, including a situation involving his first wife and a nanny, surfaced.

These were disclosed to President Biden's vetting team before the 2020 election. Despite these allegations, Emhoff has continued to advocate publicly for gender equality and support women’s rights.

Allegiances And Allegations Resurface

The incident's revelations have prompted discussions about the contrast between Emhoff's persona as an ally for women and these past allegations. Friends of the woman stated feelings of betrayal due to the disparity between his public image and personal actions.

While these claims surface, no legal action has been undertaken, and the woman involved has not publicly condemned Emhoff. Nonetheless, the details have sparked debates regarding the responsibilities of public figures toward maintaining transparent and consistent behaviors.

In response to questions about his supportive role as a spouse, Emhoff previously mentioned, "To me, it’s the right thing to do,” highlighting the importance of backing initiatives that promote equality.

Authorities And Public Concerns Addressed

The ongoing revelations about the alleged Cannes incident and prior accusations highlight the complexity of personal relationships' public scrutiny, especially amidst high-profile positions.

These incidents offer a glimpse into personal challenges juxtaposed against public duties, potentially affecting perceptions relied upon in political environments.

While the allegations against Doug Emhoff remain allegations without legal proceedings, they provide a complex backdrop to his public narrative as a supporter of women's causes.

Past accusations of infidelity and the 2012 Cannes incident raise questions about the consistency between public declarations and personal actions. These events underscore the importance of transparency and accountability, especially for those in public service.