In the serene settings of New Jersey’s Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, a storm has been brewing. Alice Bianco, a former server at the club, has come forward with accusations that twist through the realms of sexual harassment, legal deception, and power plays. This drama unfolded in a New Jersey courtroom on Wednesday, but the script is far from typical.
Trump Attorney Tricks Sex Harassment Victim: The Accusation Against Trump’s Lawyer
Bianco’s narrative pivots on Alina Habba of Habba Madaio & Associates LLP, an attorney currently in the legal guard of Donald Trump. The crux of Bianco’s claim? She was cunningly led into signing a nondisclosure settlement agreement, a move she contends runs counter to New Jersey law. However, in a twist of legal strategy, neither Habba nor the alleged harasser are defendants in this lawsuit.
The Alleged Scheme: A Lawyer’s Ethical Labyrinth
Nancy Erika Smith, representing Bianco, paints a picture of manipulation and ethical breaches. “Habba knew of Bianco’s legal representation but still ensnared her into an agreement slanted towards Trump, complete with an illegal NDA, for a sum dwarfed by typical settlements,” Smith declared. This accusation of ethical misconduct is aimed squarely at Habba, who Smith alleges was more devoted to Trump’s interests than legal propriety.
Trump Attorney Tricks Sex Harassment Victim: Habba’s Firm Denial
In response, Habba staunchly refutes these allegations. “My conduct has always been ethical,” she retorted, defending her actions in Bianco’s case.
The Backstory: A Tale of Harassment and Coercion
The complaint sketches a disturbing picture of Bianco’s experiences at the golf club. Starting in May 2021, Pavel Melichar, the club’s food and beverage manager, allegedly subjected Bianco to sexual harassment, culminating in coerced sexual relations under threat of job loss. Following a rejection of Melichar’s advances, Bianco describes facing retaliatory actions at work.
A Twisted Path to Silence: The NDA’s Signing
Bianco’s journey to signing the nondisclosure agreement is riddled with alleged deception. Habba, initially not representing Trump, supposedly persuaded Bianco to dismiss her lawyer and accept a “simple” settlement. Within days, Bianco was at Habba’s office, signing an agreement that she now claims was laced with illegalities and prepared under false pretenses.
The Aftermath: Legal Battles and Ethical Questions
Bianco’s lawsuit now seeks to dismantle the settlement and NDA, accusing Habba of professional misconduct and fraudulent inducement. The complaint also urges a referral of Habba and her firm to the Office of Attorney Ethics for further investigation.
Trump Attorney Tricks Sex Harassment Victim : Awaiting Further Developments
As the case unfolds, representatives for the golf club and Pavel Melichar remain silent. The legal community and public alike await further revelations in this complex tapestry of allegations and counterclaims.
