Left-wing Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss proposed ‘threesomes’ with female worker and future hubby, wild sex harassment suit claims

New York Post - May 15th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, a prominent financial supporter of left-wing causes in the US, is facing serious allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct. A lawsuit filed by Madison Busby in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court accuses Wyss of making unwanted sexual advances, including pushing for threesomes and exposing himself. The suit also claims Wyss retaliated against Busby and her husband Bryce Mullins after they raised concerns about his behavior. Mullins has filed a separate lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and breach of contract after Wyss withdrew a promised equity interest in the Halter Ranch winery, which Wyss owns.

These allegations are not the first of their kind against Wyss, who previously settled a sexual misconduct case out of court for $1.5 million in 2013. Wyss, who made his fortune selling the medical device company Synthes for nearly $20 billion, has been a significant donor to environmental and philanthropic causes through the Wyss Foundation. The current lawsuits could impact Wyss's reputation and his philanthropic activities, raising questions about the influence of wealthy donors in political and social causes. The case also highlights ongoing issues of sexual misconduct in elite circles, underscoring the need for accountability and justice.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of serious allegations against Hansjorg Wyss, backed by a lawsuit filed in court. It excels in accuracy by aligning closely with legal documents and presenting a balanced view with responses from the accused party. The story is timely and holds significant public interest, addressing important societal issues like workplace harassment and the accountability of influential individuals. While the article is clear and engaging, some legal jargon might challenge less familiar readers. Overall, it responsibly handles a controversial topic, encouraging informed discussion and reflection on broader ethical implications.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story presents a detailed account of the allegations against Hansjorg Wyss, including sexual harassment, retaliation, and financial misconduct. These claims are largely supported by the lawsuit filed in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, as confirmed by multiple sources. The article accurately reflects the details of the lawsuit, such as the alleged groping, propositioning for group sex, and retaliation after complaints were made. However, some claims, like the exact financial valuation of the winery and the specific sequence of events leading to the alleged retaliation, require further verification through additional records or testimony. Overall, the article aligns well with the documented legal proceedings and historical context of previous allegations against Wyss.

7
Balance

The article attempts to present a balanced view by including both the allegations made by Madison Busby and Bryce Mullins and the response from the winery's representatives. The story provides space for the accused party to deny the allegations, stating that the couple left voluntarily and benefited from Wyss's generosity. However, the article could have been more balanced by including more context from neutral legal experts or additional perspectives on the implications of such allegations. While it does give voice to both sides, the emphasis on the lawsuit's claims might overshadow the denial provided by the winery representatives.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the complex legal issues involved. It logically presents the sequence of events, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative of the allegations and responses. The tone remains neutral, focusing on reporting the facts as presented in the lawsuit. However, the inclusion of legal jargon without explanation might challenge readers unfamiliar with legal proceedings.

8
Source quality

The story draws from credible sources, including court documents and statements from involved parties, which adds to its reliability. It cites the lawsuit details and includes responses from the winery, providing a well-rounded view of the situation. The sources used are appropriate for the nature of the allegations, and the inclusion of historical context about Wyss's previous legal issues adds depth. However, the article could benefit from additional independent sources or expert commentary to enhance its authority further.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent about the basis of its claims, primarily relying on the lawsuit filed against Wyss. It clearly states the nature of the allegations and the responses from the winery. However, it lacks detailed disclosure about the methodology of how the information was gathered, such as interviews or direct access to court documents. The article could improve transparency by providing more context about the legal process and any potential biases in reporting.

Sources

  1. https://www.winebusiness.com/news/link/302944
  2. https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/hansjorg-wyss-halter-ranch-lawsuit-20327267.php
  3. https://freebeacon.com/democrats/dem-megadonor-hanjsorg-wyss-groped-employee-and-propositioned-her-for-group-sex-lawsuit-says/
  4. https://www.winebusiness.com
  5. https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/hjw-foundation/