Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) has taken legal action against her ex-boyfriend, Julian Willis, by filing for a restraining order after alleging a pattern of persistent abuse and harassment that has caused her significant fear for her safety. Court documents reveal that Porter, who is preparing to leave her House seat following a failed U.S. Senate campaign, has been granted a temporary restraining order, which will remain in effect until a court hearing is scheduled for December. The evidence presented in her petition includes claims of defamatory statements made by Willis, some of which include false accusations regarding her health, particularly a claim that she has genital herpes, which she disproved with medical documentation.
The nature of Willis’s alleged harassment is troubling. According to Porter, he contacted not only her but also her family, staff, and fellow lawmakers, sending well over 1,000 messages that include threats. In one alarming email directed at Porter’s ex-husband and child, Willis purportedly stated intentions to “bring the hammer down” on Porter. Such communications have reportedly intensified since their breakup, which occurred when Porter ended their relationship in August and asked Willis to vacate her home. Allegations also include threats of reporting her to Child Protective Services in an attempt to manipulate or extort her, indicating a concerning escalation in behavior.
Porter’s application for the restraining order indicates deeper issues related to Willis’s mental health and substance abuse. The congresswoman highlighted that Willis has struggled with drug addiction during their relationship, which included several involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations. The specifics she outlined include behaviors such as misusing prescription medications and experimenting with various illicit drugs. Porter’s concerns about Willis’s potential for further harassment also extend to how his behavior may impact her career as a public figure and the safety of her family, leading her to seek legal protection.
Moreover, Willis’s attempts at communication reportedly reached lawmakers, including prominent figures like Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Porter’s petition for the restraining order also includes a request that Willis be prohibited from approaching her home, workplace, or her children’s schools, reflecting not only immediate safety concerns but ongoing anxiety about the potential for further intimidation. The implications of Willis’s alleged actions are particularly distressing given his history of volatile behavior, which includes a physical altercation during one of Porter’s public events in 2021.
Willis responded to the allegations by stating that Porter’s request for a restraining order is a strategic measure to block him from pursuing legal action, including a potential lawsuit. He remarked on her intentions to combat his claims through legal means, portraying himself as someone who has achieved sobriety and arguing for a more sympathetic view of his behavior. This response, however, raises questions about the dynamics of their relationship, especially in regard to Porter’s assertion that his issues worsened after their breakup.
In her comments to the media, Porter characterized the situation as unfortunate and acknowledged Willis’s documented struggles with mental health and addiction. She expressed a desire for him to receive the help he needs while simultaneously emphasizing the urgent need for legal protection for herself and her family. This incident not only highlights the personal struggles of an elected official but also underscores broader issues surrounding public safety, mental health, and the impact of harassment on personal and professional lives. As the case develops, the consequences of such interpersonal conflicts in the political realm may prompt discussions about the responsibilities of public figures in managing their relationships and the potential risks involved.