Billion-Dollar Oil Heir Ousts Father, Ignores Harassment Claims

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The Frank Report received tips about Rachel Grynberg, the daughter of billionaire oilman Jack Grynberg, alleging she had used her inherited wealth to aggressively litigate against companies and individuals. However, an investigation found that the majority of the legal battles were actually waged by Jack Grynberg himself over the decades. What the investigation did uncover were disturbing allegations of sexual harassment and assault made by several women against Jack Grynberg, which occurred around the same time that Rachel and her siblings were moving to take control of the family's billion-dollar oil empire. The fate of those women's claims remains unclear, as the Grynberg family has never publicly addressed them.

Why it matters

The Grynberg case highlights the complex dynamics that can arise when a family business is passed down, especially when allegations of misconduct are involved. It raises questions about whether the new generation of leadership adequately addressed the concerns of vulnerable employees, or prioritized protecting the family's wealth and reputation over providing justice. The silence from the Grynberg children about these allegations is particularly troubling in the era of the #MeToo movement.

The details

In 2015-2016, as Rachel Grynberg and her siblings were moving to remove their father Jack Grynberg from control of the family's billion-dollar oil empire, several women came forward with allegations of sexual harassment and assault against the patriarch. Candice Dee Smith claimed she was coerced into sexual contact 35 times after Jack Grynberg bought her a $600,000 home. Maxine Yzaguirre and her sister Roxanne Alvarez, who both worked at Grynberg Petroleum, alleged Jack made inappropriate advances and assaulted Roxanne in the company locker room. A third woman, Suzanne Greene, said she was harassed just weeks after being hired as Jack's executive assistant in 1976. The company's VP, Terence Burns, allegedly told one of the victims to stay quiet about the incidents. However, the Grynberg children have never publicly addressed these allegations or indicated how they may have been resolved.

• In 2015-2016, Rachel Grynberg and her siblings began legal efforts to remove their father Jack Grynberg from control of the family's companies.
• Also in 2015-2016, the sexual harassment and assault allegations against Jack Grynberg were made by several women who worked at the family's businesses.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The fate of the sexual harassment and assault allegations against Jack Grynberg, and how Rachel Grynberg and her siblings may have addressed them, remains unclear. Uncovering more details about any settlements or resolutions of these claims, as well as the current status of the company executives accused of covering up the misconduct, could shed light on how the new leadership handled these issues.