Self-help superstar Tony Robbins has become the latest US celebrity to be targeted by the #MeToo movement.
An investigation carried out by Buzzfeed over the course of a year allegedly reveals a history of inappropriate sexual advances and techniques that saw him reprimand victims of abuse.
- Tony Robbins mansplains #MeToo movement to sexual abuse survivor
- Netflix's tough new policy on staring, flirting and hugs
Two former staff members of Robbins provided signed statements to Buzzfeed saying they felt sexually harassed after turning down his advances.
Two other assistants said Robbins expected them to work alone with him while he was naked in his hotel room or in the shower.
Another claims she was fired after having a consensual relationship with him.
A leaked recording also revealed an example of how he interacts with people who come to him for help as victims of abuse.
"She's f**king using all this stuff to try and control men," he said after one woman said she had been raped.
When another woman said her husband had been physically and emotionally abusive to her, Robbins accused her of "lying" and asked: "Does he put up with you when you've been a crazy bitch?"
Robbins denies any wrong-doing, saying “I have never behaved in the reckless, irresponsible, or malicious manner intimated by false, unfounded, and incendiary allegations suggested by Buzzfeed story-tellers”.
Lawyers also noted that Robbins has a spotless record when it comes to abuse or harassment.
No one has "ever filed a verbal or written sexual harassment or abuse complaint against Mr Robbins in the last four decades," they said in a letter to Buzzfeed.
In response to questions about his techniques, his team denied his comments were harmful to abuse victims and, in fact, he went to "great lengths to ensure the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all attendees".
Newshub.
