By: Hal C Clarke

Beth Sugerman, aged 65, has filed a lawsuit against S. Daniel Abraham, the 99-year-old founder of the SlimFast diet program, accusing him of sexual harassment and assault during her employment in the late 1980s. The court papers, submitted in Manhattan Supreme Court, detail Sugerman’s claims of enduring three years of abuse, including unwanted advances during high-profile dinners with figures like then-Mayor Ed Koch and former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Allegedly, Abraham also engaged in inappropriate behavior at motels in New Jersey, part of a tax-avoidance scheme. Sugerman, fired after seeking a transfer, seeks unspecified damages under the Adult Survivors Act.

1. Daniel Abraham, estimated to be worth $2 billion, founded SlimFast, a well-known diet program. The program gained popularity in the 1980s as a meal-replacement strategy for weight loss. Abraham, at 99, remains a prominent figure in the business world.

Abraham’s alleged misconduct, as described in the lawsuit, includes incidents during dinners at an undisclosed Upper East Side Italian restaurant attended by influential personalities. The lawsuit claims that Abraham, during these dinners, touched Sugerman inappropriately, running his hand up her leg under the table and inflicting bruises with hard pinches. The court documents further assert that Abraham engaged in lewd behavior, including pleasuring himself, during phone calls in cheap New Jersey motels where he conducted business.

The lawsuit also mentions a ProPublica report from 2014, which accused Abraham of funneling taxpayer dollars to former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who faced allegations of tax evasion, fraud, and bribery at the time. Abraham denied these accusations.

As part of the alleged misconduct, Abraham suggested that Sugerman consult his psychiatrist to improve their working relationship. Additionally, the suit claims that a SlimFast CEO advised Sugerman that getting involved with Abraham would be “life-changing” and that she should seriously consider it.

The reported abuse persisted for approximately three years, according to Sugerman, until she was terminated following her request for a transfer. Seeking unspecified damages, Sugerman filed her complaint under the Adult Survivors Act, which grants a year-long suspension of the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims.

While Abraham’s lawyers categorically dismissed the allegations as “false and baseless,” Sugerman’s attorney, Ilann Maazel, emphasized that nobody, regardless of wealth or stature, is above the law. The legal proceedings are expected to unfold, with both parties maintaining their positions in this contentious case.

1924. Daniel Abraham, a titan in the business world, is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist born on August 15, 1924. With an estimated net worth of $2 billion, Abraham has left an indelible mark on various industries, particularly in the realm of health and wellness.

Abraham is perhaps best known as the founder of SlimFast, a weight loss and meal replacement program that gained immense popularity in the 1980s. Born out of a personal quest for a healthier lifestyle, SlimFast became a household name, offering a convenient and effective way for individuals to manage their weight. The brand’s success catapulted Abraham into the spotlight as a visionary entrepreneur.

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Abraham has a significant presence in philanthropy. The S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace, established in 1989, reflects his commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding in a region often fraught with political tension. Abraham’s dedication to philanthropy extends to various causes, with a particular emphasis on healthcare, education, and international relations.

While his accomplishments in business and philanthropy are noteworthy, Abraham’s legacy is not without controversy.