Goldman Sachs (GS) was sued earlier this week by Patrick Blumenthal, a former intern who claims he was bullied by company employees in the banking giant’s San Francisco office. Additionally, Blumenthal is alleging that a wealth advisor choked him to the point of unconsciousness and caused brain bleeding, and threatened him that he could be killed. The lawsuit describes these as “life-altering injuries.
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The main alleged attack took place in a bar Blumenthal went to after office hours in September of 2017, when he was 20 years old and interning for the company while attending college at Drexel University. He was put to work in the “Team 007” with a wealth advisor taller and heaving than Blumenthal, per the suit. “Julius Erukhirnov, a private financial wealth advisor for Goldman Sachs, and one of Plaintiff’s supervisors,” is described in the suit.
“Goldman Sachs fostered a fraternity culture. On many occasions throughout Plaintiff’s internship, Julius and other Goldman Sachs employees and managers took advantage of Plaintiff’s youth and vulnerability, and there were many incidents of hazing,” states the court filing. “On multiple occasions, Julius was very physically aggressive with Plaintiff. On one occasion, Julius threatened to punch Plaintiff if Plaintiff didn’t tell him something that someone had said about him. It was well known at Goldman Sachs that Julius had a habit of getting drunk and punching people.”
The suit continues in describing a “fraternity culture” at GS. “Prior to Plaintiff’s internship, complaints about Julius’ hazing and “frat” behavior were reported to managing agents of Goldman Sachs. No disciplinary measures were ever taken by Goldman Sachs, thereby approving and ratifying Julius’ conduct.” It also states that Blumenthal is not the first intern or employee to have been attacked by Erukhirnov.
In a statement, the company said, “When it came to our attention we investigated immediately and took action, including to ensure the plaintiff was receiving medical care,” the company said. “We are committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming workplace – the alleged behavior does not reflect our values.”
Reference: Business Insider, Court filing
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