Gina Strum Sues Former Milwaukee Bucks Owner Marc Lasry for $100 Million

NEW YORK, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorneys for Gina Strum, who has sued Marc Lasry for years of sexual harassment and retaliation, issued the following statement regarding the ongoing litigation:

Gina Strum, a prominent private equity executive and attorney, filed a $100 million lawsuit today in New York Supreme Court against billionaire investor Marc Lasry, alleging in the complaint a years-long pattern of sexual misconduct, retaliation, and a coordinated smear campaign aimed at destroying her reputation and career. The lawsuit also names Avenue Capital Group and co-founder Sonia Gardner.

According to the complaint, Lasry exploited his position as CEO of Avenue Capital to manipulate, harass, and retaliate against Strum after she refused his advances and reported misconduct. The complaint alleges that Lasry engaged in a pattern of grooming and predatory behavior, using his authority, personal disclosures, and emotional manipulation to erode professional boundaries and cultivate inappropriate dependence. Strum asserts claims for, among others, sexual harassment, sexual assault, defamation, retaliation, breach of fiduciary duty, and fraud. The complaint further maintains that Lasry orchestrated a deliberate scheme to defraud investors by concealing co-founder Sonia Gardner's life-threatening cancer diagnosis—a material fact underlying the firm's asset sales and divestitures at Avenue Capital.

"The complaint describes a disturbing pattern of physical and emotional misconduct," said Richard Roth, Strum's attorney and managing partner of The Roth Law Firm. 

"Marc Lasry used his power, money, and influence to blur personal and professional boundaries, entangle me emotionally, and control my financial future," Strum said, describing the allegations in her lawsuit. "When I refused to tolerate Lasry's misconduct, he didn't stop—he escalated. He tried to destroy my career, ruin my reputation, and silence me with false claims in court and the media. This lawsuit is my stand against that abuse of power."

Strum's attorney said: "This case shines a harsh light on the toxic power dynamics inside Avenue Capital—and the extraordinary lengths Mr. Lasry went to punish a woman who refused to play by his rules."

"Lasry weaponized his influence in finance and media to try to silence Gina Strum, but she refuses to be silenced," Roth added. "This lawsuit seeks accountability—not just for her, but for every woman who's been bullied into silence by powerful men."

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.

Additional resources can be found here:

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
• RAINN | The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization
• National Women's Law Center

SOURCE Roth Law Firm