Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss faces sexual harassment lawsuit from employee

Swiss billionaire and liberal megadonor Hansjörg Wyss is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit from a former employee at a winery he owns in California. The former employee, Madison Busby, alleges that Wyss groped her, shared unwanted information about his sexual past, and retaliated against her when she denied his advances.

The lawsuit, filed in San Luis Obispo County, details disturbing allegations against Wyss. Busby claims that during her first meeting with Wyss in 2019, he deliberately placed his hand on her butt and groped her, while also making inappropriate comments about her appearance. Over the next few years, Busby alleges that Wyss made several sexual propositions, shared explicit details about his sexual exploits, and even subjected her to a live video of a woman he was allegedly having phone sex with.

According to the lawsuit, Wyss also made derogatory comments about Americans being “too uptight” about affairs and expressed a desire for Busby to engage in group sexual activities with him. The lawsuit further alleges that Wyss retaliated against Busby when she began pulling away from him and ultimately forced her to take a pay cut and pay rent when she and her husband decided to move to a smaller house on the property.

In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Halter Winery, which is owned by Wyss, dismissed the allegations as untrue and stated that they intend to vigorously defend against them. The spokesperson also pointed out that Busby and her husband had voluntarily become part of the winery community for several years and only raised complaints after leaving their employment.

Wyss, who is known for his significant contributions to Democratic causes, is facing not only a lawsuit from Busby but also from her husband, Bryce Mullins, who claims he was abruptly terminated after Busby’s complaint. The lawsuits accuse Wyss of sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and sexual battery.

It is important to note that the Wyss Foundation and Berger Action Fund have stated that they have no involvement in this matter and that their charitable activities are separate from those of Halter Ranch. Wyss, often referred to as the “new George Soros,” has been a major player in American politics, using his wealth to support liberal causes and candidates.

The allegations against Wyss are serious and raise concerns about workplace harassment and abuse of power. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what consequences Wyss may face if the allegations are proven true. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of creating safe and respectful work environments for all employees, regardless of their position or status.