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Hyatt Executive Chairman Named in Epstein Documents: Allegations and Denials

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, June 26th 2025 at 0:28 GMT by Michael Jones
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In early January 2024, unsealed court documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case brought renewed attention to Thomas Pritzker, the billionaire executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation and cousin of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. The documents, part of a defamation lawsuit filed by Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell, included allegations that Giuffre had a sexual encounter with Pritzker. While the claims have sparked public outrage and calls for boycotts against Hyatt, Pritzker has vehemently denied the allegations, and no formal charges have been filed against him. This article explores the details of the accusations, Pritzker’s response, and the broader implications of the Epstein case.

The Allegations

The documents, released on January 3, 2024, stem from a 2015 lawsuit Giuffre filed against Maxwell, who was convicted in 2022 for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation and is serving a 20-year prison sentence. In a 2016 deposition, Giuffre was asked by her lawyer, “How many times have you had sex with Tom Pritzker?” She responded, “I believe I was with Tom once.” The deposition does not explicitly state that Epstein or Maxwell coerced her into this encounter. However, Giuffre later mentioned a separate incident in France, where she was allegedly sent by Maxwell to have sex with the “owner of a large hotel chain” at a “cabana townhouse,” though Pritzker was not named directly in that context.

These allegations first surfaced in 2019 when the Miami Herald reported on Giuffre’s claims, prompting an immediate denial from Pritzker’s representatives. The 2024 unsealing of nearly 1,000 pages of documents reignited scrutiny, as they included over 150 names of Epstein’s associates, ranging from former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump to Britain’s Prince Andrew and other high-profile figures. Being named in the documents does not imply criminal charges, and many individuals listed have denied wrongdoing.

Pritzker’s Response

Thomas Pritzker, whose net worth is estimated at $6.2 billion, has consistently denied Giuffre’s allegations through his spokesperson at The Pritzker Organization, which manages the family’s business interests. In a statement to Newsweek, the spokesperson called the claim “the same false and isolated allegation that was published and vehemently denied more than four years ago,” emphasizing that “Mr. Pritzker continues to vehemently deny it.” No further public statements have been attributed to Pritzker or Hyatt Hotels, though Newsweek reported reaching out to Hyatt’s communications team for comment without response.

Pritzker, 73, is a prominent figure in business and philanthropy. As the son of Hyatt founder Jay Pritzker, he has led the hotel chain’s growth and serves as chairman of the Pritzker Family Philanthropic Fund, which supports initiatives like the Pritzker Architecture Prize. His ties to Epstein were previously noted in 2022, though only marginally, and in 2023, he was subpoenaed in a lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase regarding the bank’s relationship with Epstein. The subpoena sought documents and communications related to Epstein, but the reason for targeting Pritzker remains unclear.

Public Reaction and Boycott Calls

The unsealing of the documents triggered a wave of outrage on social media, particularly on X, where users called for a boycott of Hyatt Hotels. Posts expressed disgust, with one user stating, “I never stay at Hyatt, but sure as heck won’t now,” and another writing, “Boycott @Hyatt : This guy must be fired if he still is with Hyatt Hotels. Sick.” The backlash reflects broader public frustration with Epstein’s network, which allegedly entangled numerous powerful figures. However, the calls for boycotts have not been accompanied by evidence of a significant impact on Hyatt’s operations or stock performance as of June 2025. Some X posts amplified the allegations, with users like @LizCrokin noting that Giuffre’s claims were not new but had been covered previously, while others, like @SpartaJustice , shared deposition excerpts to highlight the accusations. These posts underscore the polarized sentiment surrounding the Epstein case, where unverified claims often fuel intense public reactions.

Context of the Epstein Case

Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with connections to global elites, faced allegations of sex trafficking and abuse until his arrest in July 2019. His death a month later in a New York jail cell, officially ruled a suicide, sparked widespread speculation and controversy. The unsealing of Giuffre’s lawsuit documents has continued to expose the breadth of Epstein’s network, implicating figures across politics, business, and entertainment. While some, like Prince Andrew, settled lawsuits with Giuffre, others, including Pritzker, have faced no legal charges related to the case.

The documents also reveal Epstein’s ties to institutions like JPMorgan Chase, which maintained him as a client until 2013 despite his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Pritzker’s 2023 subpoena in the JPMorgan lawsuit suggests he may have had financial or social connections to Epstein, though details remain undisclosed. Exclusive DailyMail.com photos from January 2019 further show Pritzker leaving Epstein’s New York townhouse, indicating some level of association months before Epstein’s arrest.

Broader Implications

The Epstein case has reignited discussions about power dynamics in high-profile sexual abuse scandals and the challenges of holding influential figures accountable. Giuffre’s allegations against Pritzker, while unproven in court, have amplified calls for transparency and justice for Epstein’s victims. The boycott movement against Hyatt reflects a growing public demand for corporations to address allegations against their leaders, even in the absence of legal convictions.

For Hyatt, the controversy poses a reputational risk, particularly as the hotel industry relies on consumer trust. However, Pritzker’s role as executive chairman, rather than day-to-day CEO (a position held by Mark Hoplamazian), may limit operational fallout. The Pritzker family’s deep ties to Chicago’s business and political landscape, including J.B. Pritzker’s governorship, add complexity to the public narrative, though the governor’s office has not commented on the allegations.

Conclusion

Thomas Pritzker’s inclusion in the Epstein documents has thrust the Hyatt executive into a contentious spotlight. While Giuffre’s allegations remain unproven and Pritzker has not been charged, the public reaction underscores the enduring impact of Epstein’s crimes on those named in his orbit. As more documents are expected to be released, the case continues to challenge perceptions of accountability among the global elite. For now, Pritzker and Hyatt face a delicate balancing act: maintaining their denials while navigating a skeptical public eager for justice in one of the most notorious scandals of our time.

Think about all of this, when you take your next vacation.

Sources:

• Newsweek, “Hyatt Hotel Exec Denies Sex with Jeffrey Epstein Victim”
• Newsweek, “Jeffrey Epstein Ties Spark Hyatt Hotel Boycott Calls”
• Hotel Dive, “Hyatt Chairman Thomas Pritzker accused in Epstein documents”
• CBS Chicago, “Thomas Pritzker, Hyatt billionaire and governor's cousin, named in Jeffrey Epstein documents”
• Daily Mail, “Hyatt hotel magnate and Epstein associate Thomas Pritzker”
• The Messenger, “Jeffrey Epstein Victim Says She Had Sex With Hyatt Hotels Billionaire Tom Pritzker”
• Posts on X