Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Billionaire Hanjorg Wyss

Hanjorg Wyss, a Swiss billionaire and prominent liberal donor, is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit from a female employee in California. The suit claims that Wyss groped her, shared inappropriate details about his sexual history, and retaliated against her after she rejected his advances.

Filed last month in San Luis Obispo County, the lawsuit by Madison Busby details an incident from 2019 where Wyss allegedly placed his hands on her backside during an introduction through her future husband, Bryce Mullins. The lawsuit states that Wyss made comments about Busby’s appearance in a dress while in the presence of Mullins.

Mullins was employed at Halter Ranch Winery, owned by Wyss, while Busby joined the winery in 2021. Initially, Busby refrained from reporting the harassment due to concerns over Mullins’ job security.

Busby alleges that over the next couple of years, Wyss made a series of inappropriate remarks, including sexual suggestions. He reportedly spoke openly about enjoying threesomes and even suggested engaging in “foursomes.” The lawsuit claims he frequently shared unwelcome stories about his sexual exploits and expressed that Americans were overly cautious regarding sexual issues outside of marriage.

Other disturbing claims include an incident where Wyss purportedly went to the movies and engaged in sexual acts with a stranger and later a threesome. Busby also accuses Wyss of exposing her to a video while he was having phone sex with another woman, expressing he was capable of multiple orgasms through “dirty talk.”

A representative for Halter Winery has dismissed these allegations as false, asserting that Busby and Mullins benefited from their time at the winery and took full advantage of the generosity of its owners.

The lawsuit claims that Wyss was aware that his behavior could have legal repercussions. After Busby and Mullins decided to separate from living arrangements at the winery, they allege Wyss retaliated by reducing their pay and making false accusations against them.

Upon resigning, Busby sent a letter to Wyss outlining her concerns regarding his conduct and the anxiety it caused her. The lawsuit accuses him of sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, intent to inflict emotional distress, and sexual battery.

Mullins has also filed a lawsuit, claiming he was abruptly terminated after Busby raised her complaints, despite Wyss previously telling him he would have full control of the winery after his death.

Busby’s legal team has been contacted for comment. A spokesperson for the Wyss Foundation has stated that the foundation is not involved in the lawsuit and that their philanthropic efforts are separate from those related to Halter Ranch.

Wyss is often referenced as a significant liberal donor in American politics, having contributed vast sums to democratic causes through various nonprofits.