The backlash to US Senate nominee and former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens’ ad in which he wields a gun and goes “RINO-hunting” has impacted his personal life in addition to his political ones.
During a court hearing in Columbia Thursday in the custody case between Greit and his ex-wife Sheena, her attorney, Helen Wade, said the complaint resulted in her client receiving death threats.
“She’s scared. That’s never happened before,” Wade said.
The online ad encourages people to get a hunting license for RINOs, an acronym used against perceived moderate Republicans, meaning “Republicans in name only.”
While Eric Greitens said the ad was meant to be a humorous metaphor, Wade requested in court that he release a statement condemning any threats against Sheena Greitens made as a result of the ad.
Since Eric Greitens was not in court, Wade said she was disappointed he couldn’t make the statement in person.
“I believe Mr. Greitens has great power to ensure the safety of my client simply by stating openly and publicly that he absolutely condemns the use of any form of violence, whether gun or otherwise, against her,” Wade said.
Gary Stamper, an attorney for Eric Greitens, called it disingenuous that the opposing attorney suggested he wanted the mother of her children harmed. Stamper also criticized the lack of notification of the request.
“If they want to have a press conference, they can hold it on the courthouse steps,” Stamper said.
Wade cited two written examples of threats against Sheena Greitens, an email written to her and a tweet.
Judge Leslie Schneider said she wanted that part of the case resolved Thursday.
In a statement released after the hearing, Stamper said that after examining the two documents provided by opposing counsel, he and Greitens saw no evidence of death threats. Despite this assessment, they denounced both.
The tweet, which was read in court, threatened Eric Greitens and his family, saying in part, “Wouldn’t it be awful if someone hunted down and killed Eric Greitens and his entire family.”
It’s the latest development in the case between the Greitens, who divorced in 2020. Sheena Greitens is requesting that the custody case be moved to Texas, where she lives.
In an affidavit in March, Greitens accused her ex-husband of physically and mentally abusing her and their children.
Greitens has denied these allegations, accusing his ex-wife of conspiring with Republicans like Karl Rove and US Senator Mitch McConnell against him to damage his political career.
Schneider did not decide to move the case to Texas. The next court date is scheduled for July 15.
Follow Sarah Kellogg on Twitter: @sarahkkellogg
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