Hansjorg Wyss, an 89-year-old Swiss billionaire known for his substantial contributions to left-leaning organizations, has now reportedly been accused of sexually harassing a former employee at his winery in Paso Robles, California.
The allegations, detailed in a recently filed lawsuit, paint a troubling picture of misconduct involving Madison Busby, a former project manager at Halter Ranch Winery.
Busby claims that Wyss subjected her to a series of inappropriate behaviors, including groping and exposing himself.
Additionally, she alleges that he shared explicit stories about his sexual escapades, including affairs outside his marriage.
The lawsuit alleges that Wyss even suggested that Busby and her husband participate in group sex with him and another woman.
Following her rejection of these advances, Busby asserts that Wyss retaliated against her, resulting in emotional distress and financial losses from lost wages.
Her attorney, John Ly, stated, “Madison has suffered severe emotional distress from the harassment which took place over the course of many years.”
The complaint also cites a troubling admission from Wyss, who reportedly told Busby in 2022 that if she pursued a sexual harassment claim, she would likely prevail.
In response to the allegations, Halter Ranch Winery has denied the claims, asserting that the accusations are untrue and that they intend to contest them vigorously.
“We will advance the facts that surround their time at the winery and their departure,” the winery stated.
The lawsuit outlines that Busby and her husband, Bryce Mullins, lived in a house on the Halter Ranch property, where Wyss would occasionally stay.
However, after the couple married and welcomed a child, they relocated to a smaller residence on the property. Allegedly, this triggered a rent increase from Wyss, who charged them $1,650 per month instead of the previous rate of $300.
Furthermore, after Busby voluntarily resigned and filed her complaint against Wyss, Mullins reportedly lost his job at Halter Ranch.
He has since filed his own claim, alleging that Wyss breached an agreement to provide him with equity in the winery, which could have been valued at $30 million.
These allegations against Wyss, a figure known for his financial backing of various Democratic initiatives—including a significant infusion of capital into dark money organizations—have drawn considerable attention.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it raises critical questions about accountability and the treatment of employees within powerful philanthropic circles.
The case continues to develop, with both sides preparing for a legal battle that will likely scrutinize not only Wyss’s actions but also the broader implications of misconduct in the workplace, particularly within influential donor networks.
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