Ben Pasternak, an Australian entrepreneur known for his vegan food startup and involvement in cryptocurrency ventures, has been charged with second-degree strangulation and assault with intent to cause injury. The charges stem from an alleged incident on March 31, 2026, at the Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan, the same night his three-year relationship with influencer Evelyn Ha reportedly ended.
Pasternak has entered a plea of not guilty to both charges. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 11, 2026.
Ha has publicly addressed the situation via a YouTube video, detailing her account of the night. She claims Pasternak allegedly squeezed her neck with both hands, leading to redness, throat pain, and breathing difficulties. Ha also reported substantial bruising on her arms and hips, which she attributes to Pasternak slamming a door on her multiple times. She sought immediate medical attention for her injuries.
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Ha Details Alleged Assault, Pasternak's Defense Cited
In her statement, Ha indicated that "serious boundaries were crossed" and she left the relationship for her "safety and well-being." She acknowledged that the situation remains "raw" and that she had delayed speaking out due to "personal circumstances" and a desire to address online speculation. Ha has also thanked those who have offered support.
Conversely, a spokeswoman for Pasternak has suggested that Ha was the aggressor during the encounter. These counterclaims have not yet been tested in court. Pasternak's legal representatives have also asserted that he denies the allegations and that he acted in self-defense.
Wider Context: Financial and Social Strands
The allegations against Pasternak extend beyond the Baccarat Hotel incident. He is also facing a civil lawsuit alleging he orchestrated a cryptocurrency scheme. Investors claim he used deceptive tokens to defraud them, allegedly causing millions of dollars in losses. Court records indicate process servers located Pasternak and served him with a summons on April 17, 2026, weeks after the alleged assault. Pasternak has not yet formally responded to this civil suit.
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Pasternak, previously dubbed the 'next Zuckerberg,' gained prominence for his vegan food company, Simulate. His arrest and the subsequent charges have reportedly caused a stir within Silicon Valley circles. Evelyn Ha is described as a content creator and podcaster with a significant social media following.
