An attorney representing Ohio Rep. Max Miller issued a public apology on Tuesday, August 4, after admitting he failed to properly review documents before the congressman shared them on social media, resulting in the exposure of sensitive family photographs and information.
Aaron Minc, Miller's legal counsel, acknowledged the error in a statement provided to CNN. "Unfortunately, I missed the last three pages of a 40+ page document with sensitive content," Minc told CNN. "It was completely unintentional and a mistake. The moment I discovered the issue on Monday morning, I corrected the file immediately."
The attorney stated he conducted multiple reviews of the materials before Miller, 37, posted them via X on Sunday, August 2. The congressman shared a Dropbox folder containing documents as part of his public defense against domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Among the materials inadvertently released was an unclothed photograph of the couple's 2-year-old daughter.
According to CNN, Minc had attempted to redact sensitive details, including the child's name, from the public release. However, an earlier version of the file viewed by the outlet contained the daughter's name dozens of times, along with several photographs of the toddler.
"I am truly sorry to Congressman Miller, Ms. Moreno, both of their families, and, especially, to their daughter. I deeply regret the mistake," Minc told CNN.
The document release error comes amid escalating controversy surrounding Miller and his former father-in-law, Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno. Emily Moreno filed for divorce in 2024 and has since accused Miller of domestic violence during their marriage.
Multiple news outlets have reported that Emily's allegations include claims Miller doused her with heated water, pointed a firearm at her head, physically shoved her with sufficient force to cause injury, and broke their daughter's collarbone. Miller has categorically denied all allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife.
The photograph at the center of the latest controversy originated from a February 2025 text message exchange between Miller and Emily regarding custody coordination. Emily had observed what she described as a large bruise on their child and sent Miller a photograph documenting the injury. The image, which focused on the bruise later identified as a broken collarbone, also depicted the child without clothing. Law enforcement investigated the injury in 2025, and no criminal charges were filed against the congressman.
Miller shared the Dropbox link with his nearly 60,000 followers on X, providing access to messages, videos, and images involving his ex-wife. In a livestream posted on Sunday, Miller told his followers he was releasing the documents as a way of "speaking up as a father, trying to protect our daughter," according to his X post. The congressman stated, "I'm going to use my platform to share the facts in this very genuine way."
The photograph was removed from public access on Monday. Following the incident, Sen. Bernie Moreno, 59, publicly denounced Miller for the second time. "As a father and husband, I can tell you the last two years have been pure hell for my wife Bridget, our daughter Emily, me, and our entire family in the aftermath of Emily's divorce," Sen. Moreno said in a statement shared via X on Sunday. "It has been horrific to watch this play out in full public view, all while knowing an innocent two-year-old girl is caught in the middle."
The senator added, "As he has admitted privately, Max Miller needs serious psychological help. He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter." He concluded, "If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives."
Miller responded on Tuesday by announcing plans to request an ethics investigation into himself. "In light of all the renewed interest in my family affairs I am going to file my own paperwork for an ethics investigation into myself to clear my name from these horrific attacks on myself and family," he wrote via X. "I have absolutely nothing to hide."
The congressman added, "We will be providing the committee all necessary documents needed for a detailed examination. The accusations continue to change, but my facts stay the same. I am looking forward to my colleagues reading everything for themselves."
On Tuesday, the House Ethics Committee announced it had launched an investigation into Miller following the allegations. The congressman has maintained his commitment to seeking reelection in Ohio, a race that could influence which party secures control of the House following the upcoming midterm elections.
Sen. Moreno had remained largely silent regarding his daughter's allegations until recent weeks, when the custody battle and abuse claims became increasingly public.
Individuals experiencing domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential assistance. Those concerned about child abuse can reach the Child Help Hotline by calling or texting 1-800-422-4453.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
