Swiss Billionaire Wyss Hit with Sexual Harassment Lawsuit at California Winery

Swiss billionaire and liberal megadonor Hansjörg Wyss faces a bombshell lawsuit from former employee Madison Busby, who alleges the 89-year-old groped her and subjected her to relentless sexual harassment at his Halter Ranch winery in Paso Robles, California. The suit, filed in San Luis Obispo County, paints a disturbing picture of Wyss’s behavior, claiming he made lewd comments about Busby’s appearance, shared graphic details of his sexual exploits, and even proposed a "foursome."

Busby’s ordeal began in 2019 when Wyss allegedly groped her during their first meeting, in front of her then-fiancé, Bryce Mullins, a winery employee. The lawsuit details a pattern of inappropriate conduct, including Wyss boasting about extramarital affairs and pressuring Busby with explicit stories, like engaging in phone sex with a woman named "Lori" while at the winery. Busby claims she stayed silent initially, fearing repercussions for Mullins’s job.

The situation escalated over years, with Wyss allegedly retaliating when Busby and Mullins distanced themselves. After they moved to a smaller property to avoid Wyss’s visits, he reportedly slashed Busby’s pay and demanded rent for their home. Busby resigned in 2024, citing emotional distress, while Mullins claims Wyss fired him abruptly after the complaint. The lawsuit accuses Wyss of sexual harassment, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other charges.

Halter Winery’s spokesperson called the allegations "not true," portraying Busby and Mullins as opportunists who enjoyed Wyss’s generosity—free housing, lavish trips, and even having Wyss as best man at their wedding—without complaint until their departure. Wyss himself reportedly acknowledged the legal risk, allegedly telling Busby in 2022, "If you ever went after me for sexual harassment, you would win."

This scandal casts a shadow over Wyss’s public image as a prominent Democratic donor, known for funneling millions into liberal causes. The lawsuit’s outcome could ripple through both his personal empire and the political sphere.