Who Is Ella Emhoff, The Stepdaughter Defending Kamala Harris Against ‘Childless’ Remarks?

Ella Emhoff, the stepdaughter of US Vice President Kamala Harris, has defended Harris against a derogatory comment made by JD Vance, running mate of Republican nominee Donald Trump. Vance had referred to Harris as a "childless cat lady" in a 2021 interview, a remark that resurfaced after President Joe Biden endorsed Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. 

Emhoff responded on Instagram Stories, questioning how Harris could be deemed "childless" with children like herself and her brother Cole. Emhoff also expressed her affection for her three parents.

“How can you be 'childless' when you have cutie pie kids like Cole and I?. I love my three parents,” she wrote.

Kerstin Emhoff, Ella's mother, condemned Vance's comments as "baseless" in a statement to US media, praising Harris for her role as a loving and protective co-parent.

Who is Ella Emhoff? 

Ella Emhoff, 25, is the daughter of Douglas Emhoff and Kerstin Emhoff, and the stepdaughter of Kamala Harris, whom she has affectionately called "Momala" since her father's marriage to Harris in 2014. 

Known for her bold fashion sense, Emhoff has gained recognition through her work with brands such as Miu Miu, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton. 

She recently faced controversy for promoting a fundraiser for UNRWA, an organization aiding Palestinian refugees, which was criticized by some following allegations of connections to the October 7 Hamas attacks.