WASHINGTON — Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) is locked in a public dispute with his former father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), over allegations that Miller withheld his toddler daughter's blue stuffed bunny during a custody exchange.
Moreno detailed the incident to congressional reporters on Aug. 4, claiming Miller kept the toy for approximately 48 hours. "Max would not hand over the little blue bunny," Moreno said. He said Miller "literally held it hostage for 48 hours" during a custody exchange.
Moreno said the child cried at night because she could not sleep without the stuffed animal. He called Miller's alleged conduct "the level of total and complete depravity." The bunny was eventually returned on Aug. 3, the day before Moreno spoke to reporters.
The dispute is the latest flashpoint in contentious custody proceedings between Miller and his ex-wife, Emily, who is Moreno's daughter. The two men are now political rivals, and Moreno's decision to discuss the matter publicly reflects the depth of animosity between them.
Miller faces separate allegations that he physically assaulted Moreno and other women. The bunny incident is distinct from those claims but adds to scrutiny of his conduct.
Miller denied intentionally withholding the toy. He said he had arranged for the bunny to be picked up from his mailbox as part of the custody exchange, through the family's parental coordinator, Dr. Deborah Koricke, calling the delay a procedural matter rather than a deliberate act.
On Aug. 6, Miller posted screenshots on X that he said documented his efforts to facilitate the bunny's return.
Screenshotted messages obtained by news outlets suggest the blue bunny has been a recurring point of contention in prior custody exchanges, contradicting Miller's portrayal of the recent incident as an isolated scheduling misunderstanding.
