Ben Pasternak Charged with Strangling Influencer Ex-Girlfriend

Ben Pasternak, a 26-year-old Australian entrepreneur, has been charged with strangling his ex-girlfriend, Evelyn Ha. The incident reportedly occurred at the Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan on March 31. Pasternak was allegedly staying at the hotel to avoid being served with a lawsuit related to his cryptocurrency company, Believe.

According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Pasternak is accused of squeezing Ha’s neck with both hands. This action allegedly led her to seek medical attention for redness, throat pain, and difficulty breathing.

The complaint states that he also slammed a door on Ha multiple times, causing her substantial bruising on her arms and hips. Pasternak has denied these allegations, claiming that Ha was the aggressor during the hotel encounter.

Pasternak’s spokeswoman, Dini von Mueffling, asserted that Ha had a history of physically attacking him. She stated, “Throughout their relationship, Evelyn physically attacked Ben,” and described Ha as emotionally abusive and jealous.

In response, Ha stated that she decided to leave the relationship for her own safety. She expressed her feelings in a YouTube video, stating, “There were serious boundaries that were crossed.” Ha emphasized the importance of her wellbeing and noted that the situation remains emotionally challenging for her.

Pasternak pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a felony second-degree strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault charge. The case continues to unfold as both parties present their accounts of the events.