Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) on Friday filed for a divorce from her second husband and the father of her three kids, Ahmed Hirsi, TMZ reported. The announcement comes after months of speculation that Omar was having an affair with her campaign consultant, Tim Mynett. Omar admittedly denied the affair but Mynett's wife, Beth, ended up filing for divorce following the ordeal.
Mynett denied the allegations in his own court documents. He denied saying he was in love with Omar and was leaving his wife to pursue a relationship with the Congresswoman, the Associated Press reported.
From TMZ:
Her divorce adds another layer to her complicated history with her now estranged husband, Hirsi. They reportedly married in a religious ceremony in 2002 -- but the union was not recognized legally. The couple had 2 children together, but separated in 2008.
According to Omar, there's been an "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage relationship." She wants joint legal and physical custody of the children and for the court to deny spousal support on both sides.
A spokesperson for the freshman Congresswoman placed blame on "political opponents and the media" for the divorce.
"As with all marriages, this is intensely personal and a difficult time for their family. For years, Ilhan and Ahmed have been the object of speculation and inuendo [sic] from political opponents and the media," Omar’s attorney, Jaime Driggs, said in a statement. "This has taken a significant toll on Ilhan, Ahmed, and their three children. Just like any other family navigating this kind of transition, Ilhan wishes to have their privacy respected for themselves and their children and will not be commenting any further."