#United States #New York #Avenue Capital #Gina Strum #Marc Lasry

Avenue Capital Group Responds to Allegations by Gina Strum

On May 9, 2025, Avenue Capital Group publicly addressed the recent press release issued by Gina Strum, a former employee, who has been embroiled in legal disputes regarding her conduct and allegations against the firm and its executives, Marc Lasry and Sonia Gardner. The company has characterized Strum's ongoing campaign as a carefully orchestrated effort to tarnish their reputations for her own financial gain.

Ms. Strum's latest press release is just one instance in a series of announcements she has made to attract media attention. Avenue Capital contends that her actions aim to divert attention from the reality of her legal challenges, as she had filed essentially the same lawsuit in October 2024, which has now seen her cycling through multiple law firms, landing her at her seventh legal team.

In their court filings, Avenue Capital has hinted at the turmoil within Strum's legal strategy, noting that many of her former lawyers have chosen to leave due to ethical concerns, implying that there is something amiss with the claims she is making. This instability in her legal counsel reflects the complexity and contentiousness of her allegations. Strum is now seeking $100 million in damages, an amount that Avenue interprets as an attempt to generate sensational headlines rather than substantive evidence.

The tensions escalated after Strum publicly levied defamatory statements about Sonia Gardner, particularly regarding her health. Avenue Capital's position is clear: these claims are not only false but also retaliatory efforts stemming from Strum's perceived setbacks following her business proposals being rejected by the executives. In light of these events, Gardner has remained steadfast, affirming that she is in excellent health and that the allegations made by Strum undermine genuine claims of workplace harassment that other women may have experienced.

Moreover, Avenue Capital categorically denies any allegations of impropriety or harassment against Marc Lasry. Their legal narrative suggests that it was Strum who exhibited unprofessional conduct, while Lasry opted for a court-based resolution rather than capitulating to her demands for money.

In closing, Avenue assures its stakeholders that it will vigorously defend against Strum's claims while seeking to hold her accountable for any defamatory actions. The firm continues to express confidence in its legal standing, affirming that it is prepared to respond to and counter any further allegations as the litigation unfolds. As noted in their statement, Avenue, Lasry, and Gardner are committed to addressing these issues publicly and within the legal framework available to them.

Avenue Capital Group's statement serves not only as a defense against the claims made by Ms. Strum but also as a reaffirmation of their professionalism and commitment to transparency in this challenging situation. The company remains focused on their business objectives while navigating these legal waters. As developments continue, the public can expect a robust dialogue from Avenue on the unfolding legal matters.