Overview
- Sinema said in a July 31 deposition that the relationship began at an Airbnb in Napa around Memorial Day 2024 and continued with encounters in New York, Washington, Aspen and Phoenix.
- Heather Ammel sued in North Carolina under the state’s rare alienation‑of‑affection law, seeking at least $75,000 and alleging the relationship helped end a 14‑year marriage.
- Sinema’s lawyers removed the case to federal court and have moved to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, arguing the conduct did not meaningfully connect her to North Carolina.
- The court record contains depositions, text‑message screenshots and photo references, and the parties are contesting discovery including a subpoena for the plaintiff’s therapist records.
- The Aug. 19 evidentiary hearing will decide key factual and jurisdictional disputes that determine whether the claim stays in North Carolina courts and whether the case moves forward.