Acton campaign slams Ramaswamy over controversial ad featuring estranged mother

Dispute over the video

Acton’s campaign said Tuesday that Ramaswamy’s team used her mother in a video urging voters not to back Acton in Ohio’s toss-up gubernatorial race. The video includes Arthur saying, “My daughter needs help, and she can't help you if she needs help herself.” ABC News could not verify the video’s content or authenticity. The clips circulating online, including in a post by Donald Trump Jr., do not show who paid for the video, and it is unknown whether it is being aired.

Ramaswamy spokesperson responds

Asked whether the campaign knew about or approved the ad, spokesperson Connie Luck issued a statement Tuesday. She did not deny that the campaign made it and did not condemn the video.

Luck accused Acton of lying about Ramaswamy and his family, her own record, and avoiding debates. She also questioned Acton’s conduct during the pandemic, when Acton led the Ohio Department of Health, and said voters should hear the candidates answer questions.

Brother criticizes the attack

Acton’s brother, Philip Stearns, called the video a “disgusting attack.” He said their birth mother remained married to the man who sexually abused Acton until the man died, after the children were removed from their mother’s custody. Ramaswamy’s campaign released another video ad later Tuesday, in which Stearns repeated his criticism.

Acton has discussed abuse

Acton has spoken publicly about abuse, therapy and a difficult relationship with her mother. She alleged that her mother’s second husband molested her between ages 9 and 12, and testified against him after charges were filed.

In a 2019 interview, Acton recalled trying to kiss her mother in court after the charges and said her mother turned away. Acton’s father received custody; she later graduated at the top of her high school class, was homecoming queen and became a doctor.