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Phillips & Associates, PLLC Partner Jesse Weinstein is representing Victoria Drake in a federal lawsuit against Paolo Zampolli, a former modeling agent who serves as a U.S. special envoy for global partnerships under President Trump. Newsweek reported on the case in an article that quotes Attorney Weinstein. The lawsuit alleges that Mr. Zampolli drugged and sexually assaulted Ms. Drake at his Manhattan townhouse in October 2023, which Mr. Zampolli has denied.
Key Takeaways
- A federal lawsuit handled by Attorney Jesse Weinstein alleges that Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, drugged and sexually assaulted Victoria Drake in October 2023. Mr. Zampolli denies the allegations, and no court has made any finding.
- The lawsuit was filed on September 3, 2026, in the Southern District of New York. It asserts one claim under the New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act and seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees, with a jury trial demanded.
- Attorney Weinstein told Newsweek that the place to contest the allegations is in court and that process servers have repeatedly been unable to serve Mr. Zampolli.
- A person can sue under the Gender-Motivated Violence Act without any criminal charge, prosecution, or conviction.
- New York courts have held that an allegation of rape or sexual assault is enough, at the pleading stage, to show gender-based animus.
- For violence on or after January 9, 2022, the Act generally allows seven years to sue, and older claims may fit a revival window that closes on July 29, 2027.
- Survivors can protect their options by seeking medical care, preserving records, and speaking with an attorney early.
The Lawsuit at a Glance
- Plaintiff: Victoria Drake
- Defendant: Paolo Zampolli, who serves as a U.S. special envoy for global partnerships
- Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- Case number: 1:26-cv-07582
- Filed: September 3, 2026
- Claim: New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act
- Relief sought: A declaration of unlawful gender-motivated violence, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs, with a jury trial demanded
- Next step: An initial conference scheduled for November 6, 2026, according to Newsweek
- Our attorney: Jesse Weinstein
- Court filing: The complaint
What the Complaint Alleges
According to the complaint, Ms. Drake met Mr. Zampolli at a Manhattan club on the night of October 5, 2023, and later went to his townhouse with a friend and left without incident. The complaint alleges that he contacted her repeatedly the next day and, in the early morning hours of October 7, invited her back to the townhouse for a gathering. Ms. Drake alleges that after she arrived and was given a drink, she lost consciousness, and that Mr. Zampolli sexually assaulted her while she was unable to consent. The complaint also alleges, on information and belief, that he intentionally drugged her.
The complaint states that Ms. Drake reported the alleged assault to the New York City Police Department the following day and underwent a drug-facilitated sexual assault examination and a sexual assault forensic examination at a New York hospital that same day. She alleges that she continues to suffer severe emotional distress and physical ailments.
Mr. Zampolli told Newsweek that the allegations against him are false and that he categorically denies them. He also said he reported to the FBI what he believes was an attempt to extort $650,000 from him.
Attorney Weinstein’s Comments to Newsweek
Attorney Weinstein told Newsweek that Mr. Zampolli has publicly threatened Ms. Drake with a $100 million lawsuit and accused her of extortion, while process servers have repeatedly been unable to serve him with the complaint. He said the legal team has made multiple good-faith attempts to serve Mr. Zampolli and will keep trying, and that if Mr. Zampolli wants to contest the allegations, “the appropriate place to do that is in court.” Mr. Weinstein also said that Ms. Drake reported the alleged assault to law enforcement immediately, had medical examinations the following day, and is prepared to pursue her claims.
How the Gender-Motivated Violence Act Works
The Gender-Motivated Violence Act is a New York City law that lets a person sue someone who committed a crime of violence because of the person’s gender, and it will likely play a direct role in the ongoing Zampolli lawsuit handled by Attorney Weinstein. The law defines a crime of violence as an act that would be a misdemeanor or felony against a person, and it applies whether or not anyone was ever charged, prosecuted, or convicted. A claim must also show that the violence was motivated by gender, meaning it was committed because of gender and due at least in part to animus based on the victim’s gender.
New York courts have held that an allegation of rape or sexual assault is enough, at the pleading stage, to meet that requirement, without separate proof of gender-biased statements or conduct. A person who proves a claim can seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees.
A person does not need to be subject to a criminal charge, prosecution, or conviction to bring a claim under the Gender-Motivated Violence Act against them. A civil case is a separate proceeding, decided under a lower burden of proof than a criminal case, so a survivor can pursue accountability even if prosecutors never file charges or a criminal case ends without a conviction.
Why This New York City Claim Is In Federal Court
Federal courts can hear state and local law claims when the parties live in different states and the amount in dispute exceeds $75,000, a rule known as diversity jurisdiction. The complaint alleges that Ms. Drake lives in Illinois and Mr. Zampolli lives in New York, and that the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, which is why a claim under a New York City law is in the Southern District of New York.
What Comes Next in the Case
After a complaint is filed, the plaintiff must formally serve the defendant with the summons and complaint. Service starts the defendant’s time to respond, usually by filing an answer or a motion to dismiss. When a defendant cannot be served by ordinary means, a plaintiff can ask the court to approve another method. Newsweek reported that the court has scheduled an initial conference for November 6, where the judge typically sets a schedule for the case. If the case moves forward, the parties exchange evidence in discovery, and it can end in a settlement, a ruling by the court, or a jury trial.
About Attorney Jesse Weinstein
Attorney Jesse Weinstein is a Partner at Phillips & Associates, PLLC who represents employees and executives in sexual harassment, discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and other high-stakes matters. A U.S. Navy veteran and former Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, he has tried cases in state and federal court, including a race discrimination case in the Southern District of New York that ended in a unanimous $1.8 million jury verdict. He has secured nearly $50 million in settlements for clients and has been quoted by outlets including CNN, NBC News, the BBC, and Rolling Stone.
Talk to Us About a Sexual Assault Claim
Phillips & Associates, PLLC represents survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment in New York, and our attorneys regularly handle high-profile cases involving abuse of power. We have handled more than 9,500 employment matters, litigated approximately 2,000 cases, and recovered more than $360 million for employees. We take a trauma-informed approach to working with survivors, and everything you share with us stays confidential.
Call (866) 229-9441 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. Speaking with an attorney does not commit you to filing anything.