NEW YORK, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorneys representing Gina Strum, who filed a lawsuit claiming she is the victim of a multi-year campaign of bullying and sexual harassment by Marc Lasry, today released the following statement related to the ongoing litigation between the parties:
Billionaire investor Marc Lasry faces a major blow as Gina Strum moves to dismiss his defamation lawsuit, calling it a sham designed to silence a whistleblower and hide allegations of sexual harassment and investor deception.
In her motion, Strum — a veteran private equity executive and attorney — argues Lasry sued in retaliation after she raised concerns that he sexually harassed her for years and concealed Avenue Capital co-founder Sonia Gardner's cancer diagnosis from investors, even as the firm downsized and spun off business lines.
The filing challenges Mr. Lasry's claims, highlighting the absence of any identified false statements or real harm. It also references communications from Mr. Lasry showing his continued efforts to keep Ms. Strum engaged in business discussions and discouraging her from seeking legal representation, contradicting his extortion allegations.
"As we set forth in the motion, Lasry's texts show a desperate attempt to keep Strum close and not, as Lasry claims, the behavior of someone being defamed or blackmailed. The motion will dismiss the textbook SLAPP suit -- the kind of retaliatory case the New York legislature designed to stop," said Richard Roth, Ms. Strum's lawyer and the managing partner of The Roth Law Firm PLLC.
"We are confident the court will see through Lasry's sham lawsuit and that Ms. Strum will succeed in having it dismissed with recovery of all legal fees," Roth continued. "As we have set forth in the motion, when it comes to sexual harassment and assault, the law holds not only the abusers accountable but also those who attempt to punish victims with fake lawsuits to silence them."
"Ms. Strum, by her motion and her litigation, sends a powerful message to other survivors: don't let bullies silence you with threats and smears — everyone has the right to stand up, speak the truth, and demand accountability."
Victims of sexual harassment or abuse are encouraged to contact local law enforcement to report any crimes. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org.
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SOURCE Roth Law Firm
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