 Michael Steinhardt |
Goldin Solutions represents billionaire philanthropist Michael Steinhardt, who has been accused of sexual harassment by seven women.
The New York Times put the more than 3,700-word story on its March 21 front page with the headline "A Leading Jewish Philanthropist Is Accused of Sexual Harassment."
The 78-year-old retired hedge fund founder is "among an elite cadre of donors who bankroll some of the country's most prestigious Jewish nonprofits," according to the NYT.
That includes Birthright Israel, which Steinhardt co-founded with Charles Bronfman of the Seagram liquor fortune. The organization has paid for the first trips to Israel for more than 600,000 young Jewish people.
Davidson Goldin told the NYT that Steinhardt never "seriously, credibly" asked anyone for sex.
Steinhardt issued a statement through the Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life that said:
"In my nearly 80 years on earth, I have never tried to touch any woman or man inappropriately.
"As I have said before, I deeply regret cavalierly making comments in professional settings that were boorish, disrespectful, and just plain dumb. They were part of my shtick since before I had a penny to my name, and I unequivocally meant them to jest.
"I fully understand why they were inappropriate, I am sorry. I never intended to cause any embarrassment, discomfort or pain."
The Foundation admitted that Steinhardt's "sense of humor can be insensitive," but criticized the NYT article as part of a six-month campaign by the paper to "dig up dirt on Michael by contacting about a hundred individuals."
Steinhardt has contributed millions to NYC institutions. NYU Steinhardt is New York University's largest graduate school, while there is a Steinhardt conservatory at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and a Steinhardt gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Goldin Solutions, New York-based strategic communications/crisis shop, has worked for American Addiction Centers, Donna Karan, Intel, Success Academy Charter Schools, former Congressman Harold Ford Jr, Birthright Israel, Committee to Protect Journalists, BBC America and Havas.
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