Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, addressed rumors surrounding her mental health after the recent presidential election. On Saturday, Nov. 9, the 25-year-old fashion designer took to Instagram Stories to deny claims that she had experienced a mental breakdown and been hospitalized following Harris’ concession speech.
“Ok, I’m just gonna go out and say it,” Emhoff wrote alongside a mirror selfie. “There’s a rumor about me having a mental breakdown and getting checked into a hospital. Not true.” She added a sharp message to those spreading the rumors: “Also f— you if you’re out there spreading that.”
Emhoff clarified that her emotional reaction to the election outcome was natural and noted that crying is a healthy way to process emotions. “There’s nothing wrong with showing emotion and crying,” she continued. “Anyone who says there is probably needs a good cry.” Emhoff emphasized her openness about her struggles, saying, “I’ve struggled with my mental health my whole life and I’m not ashamed.” She wrapped up the post with a nod to her dog, Jerry: “I’ve literally just been here playing fetch with Jerry,” sharing a photo of herself in casual attire with her dog.
Emhoff’s mother, Kerstin Emhoff, also spoke out against the rumors on social media. In a post on X, Kerstin dismissed the rumors as “MAGA bs” and defended her daughter. “Leave my kids alone,” she wrote, according to Page Six. “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.” She added, “We aren’t letting anyone break our family down.”
The rumors began circulating after Harris’s concession speech on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., following Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. Addressing her supporters, Harris expressed her gratitude and resolve: “Let me say, my heart is full today. Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve. The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for. But hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright.”
Through her posts, Emhoff highlighted the importance of showing vulnerability and embracing mental health openly. The supportive messages from both her and her mother underscore the value of compassion, even in challenging times, and remind others that expressing emotions is a sign of strength, not weakness.