Steve Wynn resigns as Republican finance chair amid harassment allegations
Amid sexual harassment allegations, US casino mogul Steve Wynn has resigned from his post of finance chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC). According to a Wall Street Journal report, Wynn allegedly harassed massage therapists and forced one staff member to have sex with him. Wynn, however, has denied any wrong doing, calling the allegations "preposterous".
Who is Steve Wynn?
Steve Wynn was born to an East Coast bingo parlor operator and is currently worth $3.5 billion, according to Forbes magazine. Wynn made his fortune through the construction and operation of major Las Vegas casinos like the Bellagio, Golden Nugget, Treasure Island, and The Mirage. He later sold them to MGM Grand Inc. Steve and his ex-wife Elaine founded the multi-billion dollar Wynn Resorts.
Wynn paid $7.5 million to manicurist after forcefully having sex
Wynn has blamed his ex-wife, with whom he is fighting a court battle, for the "slander". According to the Wall Street Journal report, Wynn had a pattern of abuse in which he often sexually harassed massage therapists while alone in his private office. The casino mogul also reportedly paid $7.5 million to a manicurist who alleged that Wynn had forced her into having sex.
Democrats criticize Republicans for silence over the issue
After sexual harassment allegations were made against Hollywood producer and Democrat donor Harvey Weinstein, leading Republicans had called for the Democratic party to return his donations. Now, many Democrats are asking the same of the Republican party since Wynn is both a Republican party donor and fundraiser. The Democratic National Committee has also criticized Republicans for being silent on the issue.
