A disturbing accusation has surfaced within the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files, alleging sexual assault against Leslie Benzies, a key figure in the creation of the globally renowned Grand Theft Auto series.
Sarah Ransome, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, directly accuses Benzies, former president of Rockstar North, of a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in the mid-2000s. Her claims are detailed in a December 2023 email, adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing revelations surrounding Epstein’s network.
Ransome, who detailed her experiences with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in a 2021 book, suggests a chilling connection between the alleged assault and the content of the Grand Theft Auto games. She posits that elements of the violence and sexually suggestive scenes within the games may have been inspired by her abuse.
In her email, Ransome recounts a specific incident, claiming Benzies “invented the throwing of money at a ‘prostitute’ on me, then sexually assaulted me afterwards.” She questions the origin of such depictions, directly linking them to Benzies’ involvement with the Grand Theft Auto franchise.
The accusation extends beyond the alleged assault, with Ransome claiming Benzies provided her with funds to travel to New York in 2006, suggesting awareness of her situation. She urges a review of his financial records to corroborate her account.
Ransome’s email also names Sam Houser, the current president of Rockstar Games, alleging he was aware of the situation during a period when he was dating Benzies. She implies a pattern of misconduct within Rockstar North, hinting at a potential for further revelations.
Leslie Benzies rose to prominence as a creative driving force behind the Grand Theft Auto series, contributing significantly to the success of titles from the third installment through the record-breaking Grand Theft Auto 5. His innovative work shaped a generation of video games.
Benzies departed from Rockstar in 2016 following a legal dispute with Take-Two Interactive over unpaid royalties. He subsequently established his own studio, Build a Rocket Boy, in Leith, Scotland, aiming to forge a new path in game development.
However, Build a Rocket Boy recently faced its own controversy, with allegations of serious misconduct and disrespect towards staff following the layoff of approximately 300 employees. This latest development adds to a period of significant scrutiny for the designer.
These allegations, contained within the Epstein files, represent a serious accusation that demands attention and raises profound questions about the connections between power, abuse, and the creative industries.
