Ella Emhoff Responds to Rumors of Mental Breakdown

Ella Emhoff addressed rumors regarding her mental well-being after her stepmother, Vice President Kamala Harris, lost to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

The reports speculated she was unwell following her emotional reaction to the election results. "Ok I’m just gonna say it," she stated on her Instagram Story on November 9. "There’s a rumor about me having a mental breakdown and getting checked into a hospital. Not true. Also, f--k you if you’re out there spreading that."

She encouraged emotional expression, stating, "There’s nothing wrong with showing emotion and crying. Anyone who says there is probably needs a good cry." Ella embraces her feelings, saying, "I’ve struggled with my mental health my whole life and I’m not ashamed of it." She then added, "I’ve literally just been here playing fetch with Jerry," referring to her dog.

Kerstin Emhoff, Ella’s mom and formerly married to Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff from 1992 to 2008, also defended her daughter.

"Leave my kids alone!!!!" Kerstin tweeted. "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 okay to not feel great right now. We aren’t letting anyone break our family down."

Despite the election outcome, Ella shared an uplifting message afterward. "We are all gonna get through this," she posted with a photo of herself viewing Harris’ concession speech. "It just f--king hurts like a b---h right now and that’s ok."

She urged everyone to reach out to their loved ones, noting, "The fight doesn’t stop now. This is the time to organize, mobilize and make a difference in your communities, big or small."

Similarly, Vice President Harris expressed her thoughts on November 6 while speaking at Howard University.

"My heart is full today, full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me," she articulated. "The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, but please know, the light of America's promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up."

Addressing young people, she affirmed, "It is ok to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s going to be ok."

"Here’s the thing: Sometimes the fight takes a while," she added. "That doesn’t mean we won’t win. Don’t ever give up, don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place."