The Republican National Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee accepted almost $400,000 in donations from former casino magnate Steve Wynn.
Wynn, who previously was finance chairman for the RNC and was accused of sexual misconduct last year, donated $248,500 to the RNC, and $150,000 to the NRSC, two sources familiar with the situation told Politico.
But RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said that there is “no reason” to reject financial contributions from Wynn because he has not been charged or found guilty of any wrongdoing.
“While we must take any allegations like these seriously, everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process. Over the last year and a half, multiple investigations into the allegations against Steve Wynn have concluded. Throughout this entire process, Steve has repeatedly and unequivocally denied wrongdoing, and he has not been charged with or found guilty of any crimes,” McDaniel said in a statement. “At this point, there is no reason for refusing his support.”
A spokesperson for the NRSC declined to provide comment to Politico.
Wynn, 77, resigned as CEO and chairman of the board of Wynn Resorts last year after the allegations of misconduct surfaced. The Wall Street Journal detailed accusations from multiple women against Wynn in January 2018, including allegations from a former manicurist who claimed Wynn forced her to sleep with him in 2005.
Additionally, a massage therapist said Wynn instructed her to massage his penis during sessions. She complied, she said, due to his position at the casino.
Wynn denied the allegations and has said they originated with his ex-wife, Elaine Wynn.
