Did Millionaire Ben Pasternak strangle ex-girlfriend Evelyn Ha with his bare hands? What happened inside the New York Hotel room?

A high-profile legal battle is unfolding around Ben Pasternak, the young tech founder once celebrated for his vegan food startup success. Now, the entrepreneur is facing serious criminal allegations tied to an incident involving his former girlfriend, social media creator Evelyn Ha, alongside a separate civil dispute linked to his cryptocurrency venture.

The case, which includes sharply conflicting accounts from both sides, has quickly drawn widespread attention.

What happened at the New York hotel?

According to prosecutors, Pasternak was arrested following an alleged incident on March 31 at a luxury Manhattan hotel. Authorities claim he assaulted Ha during a confrontation inside the property.

Ben Pasternak, 26, the entrepreneur behind plant-based company Simulate, once valued at $250 million, was arrested Tuesday on allegations he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, influencer Evelyn Ha, on March 31. Authorities say the incident occurred inside the upscale Baccarat Hotel on West 53rd Street, where Ha had attempted to film him on her phone.

According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, as reported by the New York Post, Pasternak had been staying at the Midtown hotel, where rooms can cost about $2,000 per night, to avoid being served legal papers related to a lawsuit involving his cryptocurrency venture, Believe.

Court documents allege that Ha experienced physical symptoms, including neck pain and difficulty breathing, after the encounter. The complaint also references additional claims of physical injury.

According to a criminal complaint mentioned by the New York Post, Pasternak is accused of grabbing Ha by the neck with both hands, prompting her to seek medical attention for symptoms that included redness, throat pain, and difficulty breathing.

Pasternak has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include felony strangulation and a misdemeanor assault count. He was released without bail after his arraignment.

Pasternak denies allegations, claims self-defense

Pasternak has strongly denied the accusations. Through legal counsel and public statements, he maintains that he acted in self-defense and disputes the version of events presented in the complaint.

His representatives have also alleged that the relationship involved ongoing conflict and that he was not the aggressor. In a video statement, Pasternak described the claims against him as false and said he expects the legal process to clarify the situation.

His spokesperson, Dini von Mueffling, who described herself as a longtime friend of the serial startup founder, said Ha “flew into a rage” and “attacked” Pasternak during the hotel encounter.

“Throughout their relationship, Evelyn physically attacked Ben,” von Mueffling said in a statement, according to a report by New York Post.

The case remains ongoing, and no court has reached a final determination.

Evelyn Ha speaks out

Meanwhile, Evelyn Ha addressed the situation publicly, sharing that she chose to leave the relationship due to concerns about her safety and well-being.

In a video posted to her platform, she described the experience as emotionally difficult and said she is focusing on recovery with support from friends and family.

Ha is a well-known digital creator with a substantial following across platforms, where she shares lifestyle and personal content.

Legal issues extend beyond the criminal case

The criminal allegations are unfolding alongside a separate legal challenge for Pasternak.

He is also facing a civil lawsuit from investors tied to his cryptocurrency platform, which has been accused of financial misconduct. The claims allege that investors suffered significant losses.

Pasternak has not publicly responded in detail to the civil case, and it remains unresolved. Legal proceedings in that matter are expected to continue in the coming months.

From startup success to scrutiny

Before the controversy, Pasternak built a reputation as a fast-rising entrepreneur. His plant-based food company, often described as a disruptive force in the alternative protein space, achieved significant valuation at its peak.

His career trajectory, from teenage startup founder to high-profile business figure, had drawn attention in both tech and food industries.

However, the current legal challenges mark a significant shift, placing his business legacy under renewed scrutiny.

Why the case is drawing attention

The situation has gained traction not only because of the allegations themselves, but also due to the high-profile nature of both individuals involved.

Cases involving public figures often unfold in parallel across legal systems and public opinion, especially when social media amplifies competing narratives.

What happens next?

Pasternak pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a felony charge of second-degree strangulation and a misdemeanor count of assault.

He was released on his own recognizance, despite prosecutors seeking $30,000 bail.

Both the criminal case and the civil lawsuit are still pending. Pasternak is expected to return to court as proceedings continue, while the separate investor lawsuit moves forward on its own timeline.

Until then, the claims and counterclaims remain unresolved, with the outcome dependent on evidence presented in court.

FAQs

Who is Ben Pasternak?

Ben Pasternak is a tech entrepreneur known for founding a plant-based food company and later entering the cryptocurrency space.

Who is Evelyn Ha?

Evelyn Ha is a social media influencer known for lifestyle and personal content across digital platforms.