The world of business and politics is facing a shocking allegation as Arthur “Artie” Rabin, a well-known apparel entrepreneur and Democratic fundraiser, is being sued for assault and battery.
The 80-year-old, who once owned a minority stake in the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, stands accused of performing sexual acts on a woman while she was incapacitated.
The Alleged Incident in South Beach
According to court filings obtained by Daily Mail, the plaintiff, Brenda Ramirez, claims the incident occurred at the W Hotel in South Beach, Florida, on December 27, 2024.
The two had reportedly met years earlier on a flight and maintained a platonic friendship until the dinner that night.
Ramirez alleges Rabin offered her champagne, which she drank alone.
She described feeling disoriented and sleepy, losing consciousness multiple times, before waking to find Rabin allegedly performing sexual acts on her.
The filing accuses Rabin of assault and battery as well as infliction of emotional distress. Ramirez is seeking damages and a declaratory judgment.
Rabin Denies Allegations
Rabin’s attorney, Larry Hutcher, strongly denied all claims, calling them “scurrilous” and motivated by financial gain.
Hutcher told Daily Mail that Ramirez’s visit to Rabin’s hotel room was voluntary and any interaction was entirely consensual.
“Mr. Rabin looks forward to vindicating his rights,” Hutcher said, asserting confidence that the allegations will be proven false in court.
Background of the Relationship
Court documents state that Ramirez, over four decades younger than Rabin, first befriended him on a flight from New York to Miami in 2022.
The relationship reportedly included phone calls, wire transfers, and gifts for Ramirez’s son, all claimed to be unsolicited.
Ramirez alleges that Rabin used his wealth and influence to manipulate her trust over time.
Alleged Aftermath of the Incident
The filing details Ramirez fleeing the hotel room in distress after regaining partial consciousness, vomiting, and attempting to clean herself.
Ramirez claims Rabin attempted to contact her repeatedly, and she eventually blocked his numbers.
Her attorney, Meredith A. Firetog, stated: “Mr. Rabin spent years fostering Ms. Ramirez’s trust, weaponizing his wealth and influence to camouflage his manipulation as support. Last year, he violated that trust in despicable fashion.”
Rabin’s Public Profile
Rabin is a co-founder of Wear Me Apparel LLC and was a key fundraiser for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.
He previously owned a minority share of the Brooklyn Nets but sold it several years ago.
Daily Mail has reached out to the Nets for confirmation of the sale date and additional comments.
Next Steps in the Case
The lawsuit is filed in the Supreme Court of New York, and it remains to be seen how the high-profile businessman will respond in court.
With both legal teams prepared for battle, the case is expected to draw national attention given Rabin’s political and business connections.