Ramaswamy ad controversy: Amy Acton’s mother commercial sparks backlash-here's how Amy Acton, her brother and critics responded as Ohio Governor polls tighten

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has spoken out after Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy acknowledged that his campaign released an ad featuring her estranged mother. The video accuses Acton of lying about her past and claims she has a “serious problem.” Acton says the ad exploits the abuse she experienced as a child. Her brother, Philip Stearns, has also condemned the campaign, calling the move a “despicable low.”

The controversy has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans as the closely watched Ohio governor’s race approaches Election Day. The information is taken from Forbes, WLWT and ABC News.

How did Amy Acton respond to her mother's commercial ad

Acton addressed the controversy in a statement and an interview with Spectrum News on Tuesday. She said she and her brother had endured abuse, hunger and neglect during childhood and were often kept in a dark basement.

“My brother Phil and I endured abuse, hunger, and neglect. We were often kept in a dark basement, were frequent-fliers with child protective services, and lived in fear of our birth mother's violent and erratic temper. I've always known that she was deeply sick and unwell, and it's sad to see Vivek Ramaswamy exploit her all for his own political gain.”

Amy claimed that those experiences had shaped her values and the belief that everyone deserves safety and compassion.

Speaking to Spectrum News, Acton said she would not accept attempts to dismiss what happened during her childhood.

“I won't normalize somebody who has said that my childhood is something I'm just complaining about. Who today just released an ad using my birth mother, who I was removed from at the age of 12 for severe abuse and neglect and sexual abuse; my brother and I were removed,” she said.

Acton has previously spoken publicly about her childhood experiences, her relationship with her mother and seeking therapy.

What does the controversial campaign ad say

The video circulated on social media late Monday and features Donna Arthur, Acton's estranged mother. Arthur says she loves her daughter but accuses her of lying about her past.

“Amy has a serious problem,” Arthur says in the video.

She also calls Acton a “liar,” adding, “She lies about her past.”

Arthur concludes by saying, “My daughter needs help, and she can't help you if she needs help herself.”

Ramaswamy confirmed on Tuesday that the ad came from his campaign. He defended its release and said Arthur had not been paid. His campaign plans to spend $4 million airing the advertisement.

“It is an ad from our campaign, and the thing that I want to say is that I would love for this race and this election to be about the substantive issues that impact Ohioans, and unfortunately, Amy Acton has been hiding from those issues. She won't debate me,” Ramaswamy told reporters.

Acton has said she became estranged from her mother in 1978, when her stepfather was arrested on charges of raping her at age 12. According to court documents cited in the supplied reports, he fled after being charged and later died as a fugitive.

Acton's brother and other critics speak out

Philip Stearns issued a strong response to the ad, criticizing Ramaswamy for bringing his sister's childhood trauma into the campaign.

"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 12 years old from our birth mother's husband into a political talking point," Stearns said.

He added that their mother remained married to the man until his death.

In a separate campaign video released later Tuesday, Stearns again criticized Ramaswamy, saying, "Shame on Vivek,” and adding, "It's the contempt he has for Amy. It's the contempt he has for Ohio. He's not fit to lead."

The backlash has also extended beyond Acton's campaign. Republican gubernatorial primary rival Casey Putsch said he would vote for Acton after the ad was released, while Meghan McCain criticized the advertisement on X. “This is a dastardly ad. It never should have been created. Shame on whatever consultant firm created this,” McCain wrote.