{
  "id": 274865,
  "title": "Sadism and a Blue Bunny",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/sadism-and-a-blue-bunny",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-07T17:16:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Atlantic",
    "slug": "the-atlantic",
    "url": "https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/08/max-miller-emily-moreno-abuse-allegations/688218/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The story of Representative Max Miller and his toddler daughter's blue bunny stuffed animal has sparked controversy and allegations of domestic violence. The child, relying on transitional objects for comfort, clung to the bunny as a tangible source of love and security as she grew. In court documents, it emerged that Miller had reportedly taken away the bunny from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, for extended periods, causing her distress. Emails and texts revealed Miller's apparent use of the bunny as a means to inflict emotional pain on his ex-wife, a behavior described as sadism. Moreno, the daughter of Senator Bernie Moreno, had accused Miller of domestic violence, including scalding her with hot water, holding a gun to her head, and pushing her against a wall. Despite Miller's denial of such actions, the House of Representatives' ethics committee launched an investigation into the allegations. The incident has reignited discussions on the challenges of managing maladaptive behaviors and the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment, particularly for children who may be vulnerable to manipulation and emotional harm.",
  "summary": "Not everyone who has a child is fit to love them.",
  "key_points": [
    "Max Miller took toddler's blue bunny to inflict emotional pain",
    "Emily Moreno accused Miller of domestic violence, including scalding her",
    "Ethics committee investigating Miller's alleged actions"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}