As tensions rise ahead of the 2024 election, Vice President Kamala Harris‘s stepdaughter has decided to pause her knitting club to protect herself.
Model Ella Emhoff is the 25-year-old daughter of Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, and film producer Kerstin Emhoff. Harris’ family has reemerged in the spotlight since the politician declared she would run for president.
As November draws nearer and Emhoff finds herself in the headlines, she has decided to pause her Soft Hands Knitting Club, a knitting group open to the public, to ensure her and others’ safety. Emhoff posted a video on Instagram announcing the news.
Newsweek reached out to a spokesperson for Harris via email for comment on Thursday.
“I just wanted to quickly come talk about Knit Club and address how it’s moving forward. Um, unfortunately, with everything going on right now, I am unable to conduct them, just to protect myself and other club members,” Ella said.
“The smartest thing is to just hold off until things calm down. But uh, yeah, it has been amazing working on this and meeting all of you and has just felt so special to just build this little community, and I’m going to keep working on ways to make it more accessible and keep—keep building it while I’m not able to properly teach and host these.
“So, yeah, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has been here with me so far. It’s been pretty amazing. And I will be back, back to knitting—teaching knitting—I’m still knitting.”
She concluded the video by saying “thank you” one last time, forming a heart with her hands and saying she would be “back soon.”
Ella Emhoff in New York City on January 23. Emhoff announced that she’s pausing her Soft Hands Knitting Club, a knitting group open to the public.
ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
People took to the comments to share their support.
“No clue what knit club is but want you safe. Thank you for the sacrifices you and your family are making. Not only my for our country try but for co-parents, divorced kids, and blended families. You guys are truly a shining example,” one person wrote.
“I’m sorry you have to stop something you love for now. There is so much love in the world for you now too – remember that,” said another.
“Sometimes we just have to shift our focus for the good of the world. We are with you,” a third person commented.
A fourth wrote: “Next knit club will be on the [White House] lawn.”
Emhoff has been knitting since childhood and launched her first knitwear line in 2022. The following year, she started her knitting club.
The 25-year-old became a talking point on social media when video footage showed her reacting emotionally to her dad’s speech at the Democratic National Convention earlier in August. In it, he talked about his love for Harris and how proud he is of her.
Harris is said to have a close relationship with her stepchildren, who call her “Momala,” She has previously spoken of her disappointment at missing her stepdaughter’s high school graduation because of her duties in Washington.
The vice president’s blended family has staunchly supported her amid Republican attacks. After footage of Ohio Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, calling Harris and other members of the Democratic Party “childless cat ladies” resurfaced, her stepdaughter pushed back.
“How can you be ‘childless’ when you have cutie pie kids like Cole and I?” Emhoff said in an Instagram story, referring to her brother. “I love my three parents.”
