Lyft announces policy changes after women sue over alleged sexual assault by drivers

Lyft has announced changes in its safety policies following a lawsuit filed by 14 women saying that the company did not do enough to protect them from sexual assault by drivers.

The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, alleged that Lyft allowed known sexual predators to work as drivers, as well as concealed complaints of sexual assault and adopted policies designed to silence victims.

One of the plaintiffs, named Kim, said in a press conference last week she was assaulted after celebrating her 25th birthday in Salt Lake City in December 2018. While the driver was later convicted of misdemeanor battery, Kim said Lyft declined to say whether he was barred from Lyft's platform and claimed that police told her the driver continued to work for Lyft while the criminal case against him was pending. read more »

French police appeal for victims, witnesses in Jeffrey Epstein case

French authorities have appealed for victims and witnesses to come forward to help their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, who owned property in Paris, saying they have already interviewed three people who said they were his victims.

French police are appealing for victims and witnesses to come forward as part of a probe into Jeffrey Epstein's alleged sexual exploitation of women and girls, saying they have already interviewed three people who identified themselves as his victims. read more »

Epstein Looms Over Speech by Billionaire Behind Victoria’s Secret

With investors and analysts gathered in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday for a day of presentations and store tours by the company that owns Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works, Leslie H. Wexner, its chief executive and founder, spoke publicly for the first time about his longtime ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

“More than a decade ago, I severed relationships with a personal financial adviser,” Mr. Wexner, 82, the leader of L Brands, said without naming Mr. Epstein. He condemned Mr. Epstein’s behavior and deceptions by “people who have secret lives.”

Mr. Epstein was arrested in July and charged with sex trafficking involving girls as young as 14. Through written statements, Mr. Wexner has sought to distance himself from the financier, whom he employed for more than a decade. He has also said that Mr. Epstein “misappropriated vast sums of money” from him and his family. Mr. Epstein died last month in prison in what the authorities said was an apparent suicide. read more »