Mallory Edens Shines at 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Amid Family Drama
Mallory Edens, the daughter of Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wes Edens, made a lively appearance at the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago on Sunday. Sporting a vibrant yellow outfit, she was all smiles, a sight that reminded many of her rise to fame at the Bucks’ 2014 Draft Lottery in New York.
On the same day, Wes, who is 64, participated in a post-game raffle. Interestingly, federal prosecutors announced he is under investigation in a $1 billion extortion case linked to Zhangli “Sophia” Luo, a 46-year-old entrepreneur originally from China. Luo claimed to have had a brief sexual relationship with Wes.
According to reports, Luo was indicted in 2025 for allegedly threatening to release damaging videos and photos if Wes did not issue an apology for their encounter, which she claimed occurred while she was incapacitated. This situation, as you might imagine, adds quite a bit of intrigue to the otherwise festive atmosphere of the draft.
Prosecutors highlighted that Luo had reached out to Wes’ family, including his ex-wife, Lin, who he divorced in 2021. She allegedly threatened to harm Wes’ business relationships and reputation.
Luo, a divorcee residing in New York City, is the founder of One World Initiative Advocacy, a nonprofit engaged in video interviews with economists and environmentalists. It’s odd how someone involved in such serious matters can also have a seemingly benign public persona.
In a chilling example of the lengths Luo may go, prosecutors stated she once used a false identity to gain access to the clinic where Wes’ then-girlfriend and current wife worked, spreading unflattering claims about him. This certainly paints a complex picture of her motives.
During earlier mediation talks, Luo’s attorneys indicated that Wes agreed to a $6.5 million settlement, including an immediate payment of $1 million. Yet, she initially sought much more—up to $1.215 billion—after discovering she had been diagnosed with HPV-16, a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cancer.
Wes denied the allegations, asserting he only entered the settlement discussions to avoid further harassment and protect his family from public scrutiny.
Interestingly, the two first connected in 2022 when Wes responded to a LinkedIn message from Luo. It’s almost surprising how often business networks can turn personal, sometimes in unexpected and troubling ways. A spokesperson for Wes, who is also a co-founder of Fortress Investment Group and owner of Aston Villa, stated that he had turned to law enforcement for safety concerns and that he wouldn’t comment further, citing the serious nature of the indictment.
As the case unfolds, Wes is expected to testify under oath later this year. Luo, on the other hand, has pleaded not guilty to four charges related to extortion and destruction of evidence.
She has been released on a $500,000 bail but is under home detention. Last June, federal agents arrested her at JFK Airport as she was preparing to leave for China, further complicating an already convoluted situation. Reports also mention that an FBI search of her apartment revealed explicit materials involving Wes, stored in quite an unusual manner—inside a box of sanitary napkins.
