An angry female mayor in Nevada has threatened legal action against a councilor who allegedly spread “false rumors” about a steamy affair involving her.
Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero is believed to have had an extramarital affair, according to Councilwoman Carrie Cox.
Romero, who was elected in June 2022, has since hired a law firm to represent her and sent Cox a cease and desist order over her sordid allegations.
The company, Pisanelli Bice, sent the legal warning to Cox on January 7 in an attempt to stop the councilor from spreading more so-called “vicious” rumors about an affair involving the mayor.
“The only plausible purpose you could have in broadcasting such cruel and despicable statements is to deliberately inflict injury on the mayor, her family and others,” Jordan Smith, a partner at Pisenelli Bice, said in the letter, reviewed by 8 News Now .
The letter does not mention who is involved in the alleged rumors and does not indicate what exactly the alleged affair entailed.
In response to the letter from Romero's legal team, the Marquis Aurbach firm strongly disputed the claim that Cox spread rumors about the mayor.
“Your client's statement of claim contains absolutely no specific statements or identified credible sources that support a claim of defamation and would render your motion for retraction futile,” an attorney for the firm, Brian Hardy, wrote.
According to Councilwoman Carrie Cox (far right), Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero (far left) has been accused of an extramarital affair. (Photo: Cox and Romero at a meeting on Tuesday)
Romero, who was elected in June 2022, has since hired a law firm to represent her and sent Cox a cease and desist letter over her allegations. (Photo: Romero with her husband Ben in June 2024)
“Simply put, without knowing what specifically was said, when it was said, and to whom the statements were made, my client cannot address your client's allegations.”
In September, Cox allegedly told attendees at a meeting of the Southern Hills Republican Women (SHRW) club about the reported affair, according to an email sent to the outlet.
The alleged conversation “disturbed” a meeting attendee, a member revealed, adding that the allegations were just “gossip.”
'It disrupted the conversation [a member] because she didn't understand why she told her,” they said.
'I told you [the member] to ignore the gossip and just let it be what it is: GOSSIP.”
According to an email from the city, Cox was heard discussing the reported affair again at another SHRW meeting in November.
“The toxicity and evil intent to destroy two marriages and bring them into our club is not only disturbing, but disgusting. And I want it to stop,” the anonymous member wrote.
Romero has been married to her husband Ben Romero for 38 years, according to her Facebook account.
They share four sons together and recently welcomed their tenth grandchild, according to her page.
In response to the letter from Romero's legal team, the Marquis Aurbach firm strongly disputed the claim that Cox spread rumors about the mayor. (Pictured: Cox in November 2024)
Romero (photo) has been married to her husband Ben Romero for 38 years. They share four sons together and recently welcomed their tenth grandchild
Following the alleged rumors spread during the meeting, city officials were also made aware that more was shared with the City of Henderson Police Department, documents said.
Romero also warned the department's union attorney, Andrew Regenbaum, that she will take legal action against officers who become involved in the alleged rumors, the documents continue.
In the wake of the tragedy, Cox took to Facebook Tuesday night to say she has received tremendous support from the community.
'If you stand for truth, transparency and have the best interests of your constituents at heart, you are often alone. Those who know me know that I am unwavering in my commitment to representing the needs of our great city and residents,” she wrote.
“Unfortunately, standing for these things means going against the grain and having the courage to accept criticism from people with lower standards.
Cox added that she “will not be bullied” and will “stand staunchly against those who seek power or control rather than understanding what it means to be a public servant.”
On Saturday, Cox shared a photo of her and Romero smiling together as they cut a ribbon for a new park in the city.
Cox (center) took to Facebook Tuesday night, saying she “will not be bullied” and will “stand staunchly against those who seek power or control instead of understanding what it means to be a public servant”
“While it may feel lonely at times, I will never fail to protect the citizens, businesses and first responders of Henderson. I will not conform to doing something simply because it is easier to do.
“On the contrary, I am determined to stand up to those who oppose transparency, public safety and political integrity. I invite those who share the same values to stand with me.”
On Saturday, Cox shared a photo of her and Romero smiling together as they cut a ribbon for a new park in the city.
'You're going to love it! As we had our program and ribbon cutting, the sound of the children's voices, the laughter and the excitement was incredible,” she wrote.
At a meeting on Tuesday evening, business continued as the two women sat between another person.
DailyMail.com contacted Cox and Romero's legal teams for comment.
