Report: Casino Mogul Steve Wynn Had Everyone 'Petrified'

'WSJ' report features allegations of forced sex, harassment against RNC finance chair
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 26, 2018 2:09 PM CST
Report: Casino Mogul Steve Wynn Had Everyone 'Petrified'
This March 15, 2016, file photo, shows casino mogul Steve Wynn at a news conference in Medford, Mass.   (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

A shocking report from the Wall Street Journal emerged Friday, detailing what it says "would amount to a decades-long pattern of sexual misconduct" by one of Las Vegas' biggest casino moguls. Based on more than 150 interviews with past and current employees, as well as court records, the Journal reports on disturbing sexual misconduct accusations against Steve Wynn, CEO and chairman of Wynn Resorts and finance chair for the RNC. Many of the allegations revolve around incidents said to have occurred while he was receiving salon services or massages at Wynn Las Vegas, with tales of female workers hiding in the bathroom or in other areas when they heard Wynn was coming for an appointment. "Everybody was petrified," says one of the salon's ex-artistic directors, who noted he and others had brought up Wynn's behavior to higher-ups but "nobody was there to help us."

One ex-massage therapist said Wynn pressured her into masturbating him during sessions; she says she drew the line at his oral sex requests. Meanwhile, a manicurist says she was forced to have sex with him; she reportedly received a $7.5 million settlement. Others mention incidents in which Wynn would let his genitals hang out of his shorts and proposition workers. In a statement to the Journal, Wynn, who turns 76 Saturday and has been called a "great friend" by President Trump, calls the allegations "preposterous" and points the finger at ex-wife Elaine Wynn, whom he married and divorced twice, saying a "terrible and nasty lawsuit" from her for a divorce payout is to blame. The Journal report made an immediate impact: Bloomberg reports Wynn Resorts shares fell more than 8% after the news hit, the largest drop since July. Read more on the accusations against Wynn at the Journal. (More Steve Wynn stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X