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Stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, Ella Emhoff, confronted swirling rumors about her mental health following the emotional aftermath of the 2024 presidential election results, where Harris conceded to Donald Trump.
The 25-year-old model and artist, who was photographed visibly emotional during Harris's concession speech at Howard University on November 6, took to Instagram on November 9 to dispel claims about being hospitalized. "There's a rumor about me having a mental breakdown and getting checked into a hospital. Not true," The first gentleman wrote, acknowledging her lifelong mental health journey.
The situation intensified when photos circulated showing Emhoff breaking down alongside campaign staffers during Harris's address to supporters. In her speech, Harris emphasized resilience: "Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn't mean we won't win. The important thing is don't ever give up."
Kerstin Emhoff, Ella's mother and Doug Emhoff's ex-wife, quickly defended her daughter against what she termed "MAGA bs," posting on X: "Leave my kids alone!!!! Ella is doing great and spending a lovely day with her mom!" The family's united front emerged as online speculation grew.
In subsequent posts to her 500,000 followers, Emhoff shared her raw emotional response to the election outcome. "We are all gonna get through this. It just f--king hurts like a b---h right now and that's ok," she wrote, accompanied by an image of herself watching the concession speech.
On her Substack platform "Soft Pins," primarily dedicated to fashion and crochet work, Emhoff detailed experiencing "10 cycles of sadness, rage, and stress" in a single morning. She advocated for channeling these emotions into creativity rather than letting them "fester inside."
The multimedia artist, who graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2021 and has since walked in both Paris and New York Fashion Weeks, called for community action amid political disappointment. "This is the time to organize, mobilize and make a difference in your communities big or small," she pleaded with the supporters .
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff was photographed comforting both his children, Ella and Cole, during the concession event, where Harris addressed supporters at her alma mater. The vice president's message to young observers resonated particularly: "It is OK to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it's going to be OK."
