This altercation certainly escalated quickly.
California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter reportedly threw scalding mashed potatoes at her then-husband during an argument, as divorce proceedings from 2013 recently highlighted, amid renewed attention on her volatile demeanor.
Matthew Hoffman, Porter’s ex-husband, filed for divorce in 2013, revealing in the documents that the Congresswoman had a reputation for losing her temper, verbally abusing him, and hurling “toys, books, and various items” at him throughout their marriage, as The Post previously reported.
In the divorce filings, Hoffman sought a restraining order against Porter, alleging she would frequently insult him with derogatory terms and once smashed a glass coffee pot in frustration over the cleanliness of their home in March 2012.
“She wouldn’t let me have a cell phone because she insisted, ‘You’re too f—ing dumb to operate it,’” he recounted regarding Porter, who is under intense scrutiny this week as videos of her aggressive interactions with former staff have gone viral made headlines.
“Whenever she got angry, she would scratch her arms and then say, ‘Look what you made me do!’” Hoffman continued, expressing concern over how this behavior affected their children, who began acting out towards him.
According to court documents, an incident in 2006 stands out: Porter allegedly erupted over Hoffman’s technique in making mashed potatoes, exclaiming, “Can’t you read the f—ing instructions!” before pouring hot potatoes over his head, resulting in burned skin.
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The couple married in 2003 and share three children before ending their tumultuous relationship.
In her initial congressional campaign in 2018, Porter presented herself as a “victim of domestic violence” and emphasized her role as a single mother.
“I don’t have a questionable past,” she told HuffPost in May 2018.
“I’m the most boring person in America. I’m just a mom of three kids who protected her family and left a troubled marriage.”
The contentious lawmaker, who is now pursuing the position of California governor in the upcoming Nov. 3 election, has faced a barrage of criticism following the emergence of footage that reveals her explosive outbursts and harsh remarks.
Latest Updates on Former California Rep. Katie Porter
- California Democrat’s temper under fire as she snaps at staff about ‘bright lights’
- Gubernatorial hopeful attempts to walk out of CBS interview after meltdown over Trump inquiry
- Court documents reveal Katie Porter verbally abused her then-husband, calling him ‘too f—ing dumb’ for a phone
- Gubernatorial hopeful screams at a staffer during video call: ‘Get out of my f—ing shot!’
The controversy ignited earlier this week when an on-air confrontation between Porter and CBS reporter Julie Watts captured public attention—Porter accused the reporter of being “unnecessarily confrontational” when asked how she plans to appeal to Trump supporters.
“How do you respond to the 40% of California voters you’ll need who supported Trump?” Watts inquired.
Following additional questions, Porter attempted to end the interview abruptly, expressing her frustration with, “I don’t want to keep doing this. I’m going to call it.”
In a perplexing moment, Porter insisted the interview was dragged down by unnecessary follow-ups.
“Ms. Porter, I am an investigative reporter,” responded Julie Watts, surprised by Porter’s reaction. “Is this your first time speaking with a reporter?”
Another viral clip from Politico showed Porter berating a female staffer to “get out of my f—ing shot” during a July 2021 Zoom meeting discussing environmental policy with the Biden administration.
In addition, a newly surfaced video displayed Porter getting into a heated argument with her staff over lighting during a Zoom call, where she was seen giving an icy stare while weirdly smiling at the camera.
Despite leading in governor polls, Porter has encountered fierce criticism from politicians, opponents, and internet users alike.
“Katie Porter is a weak, self-destructive candidate unfit to lead California,” Former state controller Betty Yee remarked on X Thursday.
“The stakes are too high for her to continue this campaign.”
