Top US Republican resigns amid sexual misconduct claims

The US Republican National Committee finance chairman Steve Wynn has resigned after being accused of sexual harassment and assault.

Steve Wynn has stepped down as Republican Party finance chair.

Steve Wynn has stepped down as Republican Party finance chair. Source: STRMX

Casino mogul Steve Wynn has resigned as finance chairman of the US Republican National Committee amid allegations of sexual harassment and assault.

Wynn has been a prolific Republican donor and led the RNC's fundraising efforts during President Donald Trump's first year, helping the committee rake in more than $US130 million.



"Today I accepted Steve Wynn's resignation as Republican National Committee finance chair," RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said on Saturday.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that a number of women said they were harassed or assaulted by Wynn, the chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts. Wynn has denied the allegations. One case led to a $US7.5 million settlement with a manicurist, the newspaper reported.

Wynn was chosen by Trump to lead the RNC's fundraising effort, and he contributed more than $600,000 to GOP causes last year, according to the Federal Election Commission.

A person with direct knowledge of the situation said Trump had signed off on the decision for Wynn to resign.



Since 2013, Wynn has contributed nearly $US2.4 million to GOP candidates and party organisations around the country, including 2017 special election winners as well as dozens of state Republican Party committees.

The allegations against Wynn have come during a wave of sexual misconduct claims against prominent media, entertainment and political figures that gained momentum last fall after the emergence of detailed allegations of rape and harassment involving movie producer Harvey Weinstein.


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Top US Republican resigns amid sexual misconduct claims | SBS News