Dem Rep Katie Hill denies 'throuple' with staffer, says 'abusive husband' leaked her nude photos
Rep. Katie Hill, D-California, has spoken out after being embroiled in a controversy claiming she was having an affair with her estranged husband and a female staffer in an arranged "throuple", or a three-person couple.
The openly bisexual congresswoman had reportedly developed a "long-term sexual relationship" with the unnamed staffer from her campaign, who would later enter into a "throuple" with Kenny Heslep, Hill's husband, who later filed for divorce. According to conservative outlet RedState, sources claimed the trio had taken several vacations together.
The outlet obtained multiple screenshots of text exchanges between Hill and the staffer, as well as intimate pictures that included a nude photo of Hill brushing her hair. The alleged text messages indicate the end of their three-person relationship earlier this year after the congresswoman said she wanted to focus on her work and avoid any "political risk" that may come of their arrangement.
According to RedState, Hill also had a year-long extramarital affair with her legislative director and former campaign-finance director Graham Kelly. Hesleop reportedly shared his own screenshot of a text exchange he had with a friend who knew about the affair. The outlet stated Heslep filed for divorce over the alleged affair.
Speaking to Fox News, Hill acknowledged she was going through a divorce and that her "abusive husband" had been "determined to try to humiliate me."
"Intimate photos of me and another individual were published by Republican operatives on the internet without my consent", Hill said in a statement to the outlet. "I have notified Capitol Hill police who are investigating the situation and potential legal violations of those who posted and distributed the photos, and therefore will have no further comment on the digital materials."
"I am disgusted that my opponents would seek to exploit such a private matter for political gain", she continued. "This coordinated effort to try to destroy me and people close to me is despicable and will not succeed. I, like many women who have faced attacks like this before, am stronger than those who want me to be afraid."
Furthermore, the freshman congresswoman fervently denied having an affair with Kelly, saying it was her estranged husband who had made the "vindictive claims."
"Allegations that I have been involved in a relationship with Mr. Kelly are absolutely false", Hill told Fox News. "I am saddened that the deeply personal matter of my divorce has been brought into public view and the vindictive claims of my ex have now involved the lives and reputations of unrelated parties."
"This smear campaign will not get in the way of the work I am doing every day to move our district and our country forward", she added. "I am truly grateful for the outpouring of support I have received from colleagues and constituents alike, and I know we will get through this together."