Ramaswamy takes responsibility for attack ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (R) confirmed to reporters Tuesday evening that his campaign was behind a new attack ad featuring his Democratic opponent Amy Acton’s mother calling her a “liar” and insinuating she suffers from mental health issues.

Ramaswamy acknowledged that his campaign produced the ad, which began circulating on social media Monday night and drew backlash from Democrats and some Republicans over its deeply personal attacks from her estranged mother.

In a statement to The Associated Press, a spokesperson for Ramaswamy’s campaign said Acton’s mother was not paid for the one-minute spot. The spokesperson also said the ad will air both online and on TV as Election Day draws near.

Axios reported Tuesday that his campaign is spending $4 million to air the spot statewide, doubling down on the controversial ad in hopes that it will sway voters.

Acton accused Ramaswamy of having a “lifelong pattern” of lobbing personal attacks at political opponents, while her brother, Philip Stearns, called it “despicable.”

Acton has disclosed that she has experienced sexual abuse and neglect during her childhood and has accused her stepfather of molesting her. He was charged with sexually abusing Acton when she was 12 years old, according to court documents.

The ad features Acton’s biological mother, Donna Arthur, who has been estranged from her daughter following the allegations of sexual abuse, accused her daughter of lying about her childhood.

“I love my daughter, but when I saw her lying about her opponent — it is not easy for a mother to say this, but Amy has a serious problem. She is a liar,” Author says in the ad.

“She lies about her past. She says she grew up living in a tent. None of that is true,” she continues, urging voters not to elect her daughter.

“Don’t let her become your governor. If you think she’ll make your life better, you’re fooling yourself.”

Acton’s brother condemned the ad, saying he and his sister were removed from their mother’s custody after their stepfather’s arrest.

“It’s not surprising that Vivek Ramaswamy has stooped to such a despicable low as to attempt to turn the sexual abuse Amy endured at twelve years old from our birth mother’s husband into a political talking point,” he said in a statement to CBS News.

“Our birth mother stayed married to Amy’s rapist until he died,” he continued, adding that it was a “desperate” dig from Ramaswamy in a tight gubernatorial race.