A lawsuit alleges that the children of U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) subjected their mother’s former personal assistant to severe harassment, which his husband claims contributed to the man’s suicide. Brandon O’Brien, 35, a former executive assistant to Nancy Bass Wyden, died by suicide in May after a period of intense distress.

According to court documents, O’Brien was tasked with caring for the Wydens’ children from June 2022 to September 2024. His husband, Thomas Maltzeos, filed a lawsuit against Bass Wyden and her company, Bass Real Estate LLC, alleging that the family’s behavior created a hostile environment. The suit claims the couple’s then-10-year-old daughter made “sexually explicit” comments and inquired about O’Brien’s “intimate life” during school drop-offs. It also alleges the Wydens’ teenage son used homophobic slurs, threatened to “rape” O’Brien, and threw objects at him.

The lawsuit further states that Bass Wyden allegedly maced her son during an altercation but accidentally sprayed O’Brien. The abuse reportedly occurred in public settings, including a visit to Disney, where Maltzeos and his mother witnessed the incidents.

Bass Wyden’s legal team has dismissed the claims as “baseless and deeply misguided,” asserting that O’Brien had a history of misconduct, including alleged theft from previous employers. O’Brien resigned from his position in September 2024. The case against him for theft was later dropped by NYPD investigators following his death.

Maltzeos’ attorneys criticized the Wydens’ conduct, calling it “shocking, disturbing, and cruel.” They argued that the family’s actions left O’Brien “distraught” and damaged his reputation. Bass Wyden has denied the allegations, reiterating her claim that O’Brien was a thief.

O’Brien’s husband described him as a “quietly graceful” and loyal assistant in a heartfelt tribute following his death.