Multiple Women Accuse Casino Mogul Steve Wynn of Sexual Misconduct

Photo via AP/ Charles Krupa

Multiple people have accused the Las Vegas casino mogul and Republican National Committee finance chairman Steve Wynn of sexual misconduct spanning decades, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Wynn, who plans to open a property in Everett in June 2019, allegedly pressured numerous female employees into sex acts over the years. He paid out a $7.5 million legal settlement in 2005 after a manicurist filed a lawsuit against him for forcing her to have sex, and others allege he repeatedly propositioned the women who worked for him.

In addition to the forthcoming Boston area outpost, Wynn also built several high-profile casinos dotting the Strip, including the Mirage, the Bellagio, and the eponymous Wynn. According to the Wall Street Journal’s report, Wynn’s exceptional power and influence effectively silenced the women he abused, who feared professional repercussions for speaking out. People familiar with the situation described a culture of intimidation to the Journal, in which women hid in fear when they heard Wynn was on the way.

Wynn dismissed the allegations of assault as “preposterous” and said in a written statement to the Journal that “people can make allegations, regardless of the truth.” In addition to his roles in Las Vegas and with the RNC, Wynn has been in the public eye as a result of his friendship with President Trump, who appointed him to the RNC role. Wynn has indicated he has no plans to step down from the RNC gig.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission said in a statement it is taking the allegations “very seriously.” The group will conduct a review of the situation in an effort to maintain the “suitability and integrity” of the commission.

Wynn’s Massachusetts project, the largest private single-phase build in state history, includes plans for a 29-story tower complete with six acres of park space, 13 restaurants, a gigantic gambling floor, and a $2.4 billion price tag.