A recently filed lawsuit claims that the founder of the SlimFast diet program, S. Daniel Abraham, sexually harassed and assaulted his executive assistant in the 1980s. Beth Sugerman, now 65, alleges that Abraham forced himself on her and groped her during high-profile dinners with influential figures, such as former New York City Mayor Ed Koch and former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. According to court documents, the abuse also included incidents at cheap motels in New Jersey, with Abraham pleasuring himself in front of her while conducting business calls. Sugerman is seeking unspecified damages for the sexual harassment and assault allegations.
The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, is based on incidents that reportedly occurred when Sugerman worked for Abraham from 1987 to 1990. Sugerman claims that the abuse continued even after she was encouraged by a SlimFast CEO to get “involved with” Abraham. She also alleges that she was fired after requesting a transfer following the abuse. The complaint was filed under the Adult Survivors Act, which suspends the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims for a year. Despite the end of the ASA window, the parties have signed an agreement to extend the statute of limitations.
In response to the lawsuit, Abraham’s lawyers have denied the allegations, calling them “false and baseless.” They stated that they will vigorously defend the claims against the 99-year-old billionaire and are confident that he will be fully exonerated.
Ilann Maazel, Sugerman’s attorney, emphasized that “No one, no matter how rich, famous, or powerful, is above the law.” The lawsuit has brought attention to the alleged abuse of power and harassment by a prominent figure and the ongoing legal battle that is set to unfold in the coming months.
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