A New York judge has determined there is "credible evidence" that the children of U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) harassed their mother’s personal assistant with homophobic slurs before the assistant’s tragic suicide. The findings were revealed in court documents tied to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the assistant’s widower.

According to the New York Post, the assistant, Brandon O’Brien, worked for Nancy Bass Wyden, owner of the Strand Bookstore and wife of Sen. Wyden, for two years before his death. O’Brien’s widower, Thomas Maltezos, alleges in the lawsuit that the abuse from Bass Wyden’s children contributed to O’Brien's suicide in May 2025.

The court documents detail a pattern of harassment, including text messages from Bass Wyden’s then-11-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son, which contained homophobic language. Administrative Law Judge Lorraine Ferrigno noted that the children’s behavior was witnessed by Bass Wyden, who reportedly admonished her son for his actions.

Allegations of workplace abuse

O’Brien resigned from his position at Bass Real Estate LLC in September 2024, citing a hostile work environment. He later sought unemployment benefits, which Bass Wyden contested, claiming O’Brien had resigned to avoid being fired for alleged theft. However, the judge sided with O’Brien, ruling that his resignation was due to harassment and not misconduct.

The harassment included repeated homophobic slurs, such as being called “zesty” and “zest bunny,” as well as more explicit derogatory terms. O’Brien reportedly complained about inappropriate behavior from Bass Wyden’s daughter, which echoed similar complaints made by a male au pair. The judge’s decision stated that O’Brien quit after receiving a particularly offensive text message from Bass Wyden’s son.

Bass Wyden argued that O’Brien left the job because he was aware he was about to be terminated for alleged theft, including credit card fraud. However, the judge found no evidence to support that O’Brien knew he was at risk of being fired.

Wrongful death lawsuit filed

Following O’Brien’s suicide, Maltezos filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bass Wyden and her real estate company. The lawsuit claims that the harassment and toxic work environment led to O’Brien’s mental distress and eventual death.

It also accuses Bass Wyden of spreading false rumors about O’Brien to prevent him from finding new employment.

The lawsuit references the administrative law judge’s findings, which affirmed O’Brien’s allegations of a hostile workplace. Maltezos’ legal team argues that the abuse O’Brien endured was a direct factor in his decision to take his own life. Bass Wyden’s legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, calling it “baseless” and “deeply misguided.”

Theft allegations and legal disputes

Bass Wyden has maintained that O’Brien was involved in theft during his employment, accusing him of stealing approximately $650,000.

A police report was filed, but O’Brien was never arrested or charged. The judge noted that there was no testimony or evidence to suggest that O’Brien was aware of any pending termination due to these allegations.

The legal battle over O’Brien’s unemployment benefits became a focal point in the broader dispute. Judge Ferrigno’s ruling highlighted that while Bass Wyden acknowledged her son’s homophobic remarks, she contested the narrative that these incidents were the primary reason for O’Brien’s resignation.

Ongoing legal and public scrutiny

The case has drawn significant public attention, not only because of the tragic circumstances but also due to the involvement of a prominent political family. Sen. Wyden has not commented publicly on the matter, and Bass Wyden’s representatives have refrained from addressing the specific allegations.

The wrongful death lawsuit remains ongoing, with both sides presenting starkly different narratives. While Maltezos seeks accountability for what he describes as a hostile and abusive work environment, Bass Wyden’s legal team continues to deny the claims, asserting that O’Brien’s actions and allegations were manipulative and untruthful.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case raises broader questions about workplace harassment, accountability, and the responsibilities of employers in addressing toxic environments. The tragic loss of O’Brien has become a central point of contention, with both sides seeking to shape the narrative surrounding his life and death.