Former Avenue Capital Employee Claims Marc Lasry Offered Her $5 Million to Settle Without an Attorney

A former employee of Avenue Capital, engaged in a legal battle with billionaire boss Marc Lasry, alleges that she was offered a $5 million settlement without the involvement of an attorney. Marc Lasry is in charge of the New York-based Avenue Capital.

Allegations and Counterclaims

The former fundraiser of Avenue Capital, Gina Strum, asserts that Marc Lasry proposed a $5 million settlement to her in May. In response, Lasry filed a lawsuit against Strum earlier this month, accusing her of attempting to extort $50 million.

Legal Filings and Responses

According to legal documents submitted by Gina Strum's lawyers, Marc Lasry, the billionaire co-founder of Avenue Capital, offered the $5 million settlement to the former employee who had accused him of years of sexual harassment. Strum claims that Lasry wanted to settle the matter without legal representation after being presented with evidence that later formed the basis of a lawsuit she filed recently.

Dismissal Motion and Allegations

Strum's legal team filed a motion to dismiss Lasry's initial lawsuit, citing text messages between the parties as evidence of Lasry's attempts to dissuade Strum from involving lawyers in their dispute. The motion claimed that Lasry even offered to cover Strum's legal fees and mediation costs to prevent her from exposing his alleged misconduct.

Response from Marc Lasry

A statement from Marc Lasry's side characterized Strum's actions as attempts to gain publicity through malicious threats. The statement emphasized that Avenue Capital would address the legal issues through proper judicial procedures rather than engaging in media battles.

Recent Developments and Lawsuits

The conflict between Marc Lasry, a prominent figure known for his involvement with the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and support for Democratic campaigns, and his former employee continues to unfold. Lasry and Avenue Capital initially sued Strum for alleged extortion, showcasing texts and emails to support their claims of her obsession with Lasry.

Following Lasry's lawsuit, Strum responded with her own legal action, detailing allegations of sexual harassment and unwanted advances from Lasry. While Strum's lawsuit did not mention the $5 million offer, her lawyer CK Hoffler highlighted the significance of Lasry's attempt to ensure Strum's silence through financial incentives.

As the legal battle intensifies, both parties are preparing to defend their positions in the courtroom. The evolving case sheds light on the complexities of workplace disputes and power dynamics within organizations.

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By: bsaacks@businessinsider.com (Bradley Saacks)
Title: Former Avenue Capital Employee Claims Marc Lasry Offered Her $5 Million to Settle Without an Attorney
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/former-avenue-employee-claims-marc-lasry-offered-5-million-settle-2024-10
Published Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:23:23 +0000