Modeling mogul Paolo Zampolli faces rape lawsuit from tech entrepreneur Victoria Drake
Paolo Zampolli, the modeling agent who says he introduced Donald and Melania Trump, has been sued by Victoria Drake for allegedly drugging and raping her at his New York townhouse in October 2023.
A lawsuit filed by Victoria Drake alleges that modeling agent Paolo Zampolli drugged her and raped her while she was unconscious at his Gramercy Park townhouse in October 2023. Drake, who entered Trump-related circles after a 2019 invitation to a Mar-a-Lago New Year’s event, says they first exchanged numbers at the Zero Bond private club before meeting at his home, where she claims he forced a drink on her, rendered her unconscious, and then assaulted her.
Zampolli, who claims to have introduced Donald and Melania Trump at a 1998 fashion-week party and has been Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships since March 2025, denies the accusations and notes that the NYPD closed the investigation. He has filed a criminal complaint in Rome accusing Drake of defamation and plans to seek a $100 million countersuit. The case also references Zampolli’s past mentions in Epstein-related files and an ongoing custody dispute with former partner Amanda Ungaro, though no charges have been filed against him.
Why it matters
The allegation ties a senior Trump aide to a serious sexual-assault claim, raising legal and political scrutiny.
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