World
'Lying About An Ad That Is About Lying': Ramaswamy Defends Controversial Ad As Backlash Grows
By: News18 World
Published: 23 October 2026
Photo / Illustration: Haldwani Times News Desk
<p>Republican Vivek Ramaswamy has defended a controversial campaign advert targeting his Democratic rival Amy Acton in the Ohio governor’s race, as criticism grows over its use of her estranged mother and references to her personal life.</p>
<p>Speaking at a campaign stop in north-east Ohio on Friday, Ramaswamy rejected criticism of the advert, which features Acton’s birth mother, Donna Arthur, calling her a “liar" and making remarks suggesting she has mental health issues.</p>
<p>“The irony is they are lying about an ad that is about lying," Ramaswamy said. “They are changing the subject because they do not want to answer for their own failures."</p>
<p>Acton, Ohio’s former public health director, has spoken publicly about experiencing homelessness and abuse during her childhood. She criticised the advert, saying she would not accept attempts to dismiss her experiences.</p>
<p>“I will not normalise somebody who has said that my childhood is just something I am complaining about," she told Ohio news outlet Spectrum News.</p>
<p>Amy Acton strongly condemned the ad, stating that she would not normalize attempts to dismiss her childhood trauma. She noted that she was removed from her mother's home at the age of 12 following severe abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse by her stepfather.</p>
