Shocking allegations have emerged against one of the most celebrated figures in global finance, the late Sir Evelyn de Rothschild. Several women have come forward, accusing the banking scion of exploiting his powerful position to sexually harass and assault them during his tenure at the storied London firm NM Rothschild in the 1990s.
Allegations Span Years of Unchecked Abuse
The claims, which surfaced two years after Evelyn de Rothschild’s death at age 91, paint a disturbing picture of a man who used his status and influence to prey on junior female employees. More than eight sources, some with direct experience, described incidents dating from the mid to late 1990s. However, multiple sources allege this pattern of misconduct went unchecked for decades.
Alleged Victims Silenced by Fear and Power Imbalance
The women bringing forth the allegations say they felt unable to raise concerns while Evelyn de Rothschild was alive, given his lofty position within the bank and the British establishment. He moved in the most elite circles, serving as a financial advisor to Queen Elizabeth II, accompanying her to Royal Ascot, and earning a knighthood in 1989.
“He would ask questions aimed at finding out if you were well connected. If you weren’t, then I think you were more likely to be regarded as fair game,” one woman claimed.
Sources describe an atmosphere of fear and a severe power imbalance that left victims feeling they had no recourse. Alleged attempts to raise concerns were met with swift retaliation.
“It was his kingdom and he enjoyed a sort of absolute rule, people knew about payouts and saw staff who all looked the same being churned through,” a source alleged.
Decades of Impunity Amid Establishment Ties
The ability of such misconduct to apparently go unchecked for years raises serious questions about the culture at the highest echelons of the banking world. The Rothschild dynasty is deeply embedded in the British establishment, with the London branch tracing its origins to 1809.
Evelyn de Rothschild’s extraordinarily well-connected status may have insulated him from any real accountability. His funeral drew an array of high-profile figures, with the eulogy delivered by none other than Bill Clinton.
Calls for Transparency and Culture Reform
The emerging allegations against such an iconic figure are likely to amplify calls for greater transparency and accelerated culture reform in the financial sector. In an era of increased scrutiny around abuses of power, the notion that even the most egregious misconduct by the most protected men might be ignored indefinitely is facing unprecedented challenges.
While the current leadership of Rothschild & Co, the successor to NM Rothschild, maintains it does not tolerate inappropriate behavior, it remains to be seen how the institution will address revelations of historical wrongdoing at the highest levels. As the slow trickle of long-buried claims of abuse by powerful figures continues, many are increasingly demanding a full reckoning.
