A
ndrew Farkas, a 65‑year‑old real‑estate mogul whose portfolio includes the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel and the historic Lexington Hotel, has recently been thrust into a sexting scandal that intersects with his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court in June under the pseudonym “John Doe,” accuses Farkas of encouraging the non‑consensual sharing of explicit videos with former Playboy model and alleged escort Angelica Parker.
According to court filings, Doe—who was never named—claimed that Parker and he had a sexual relationship that ended in 2022. On the night of October 14, 2022, while Farkas was in Palm Beach, Parker allegedly began sending him sexual text messages and videos. The complaint states that Farkas responded “enthusiastically,” prompting Parker to send a video that showed Doe and Parker engaging in a sexual act, with Doe’s face and genitals clearly visible. Two additional videos followed, all of which the complaint says Farkas watched and requested more material from Parker. After receiving the videos, the suit alleges that Farkas purchased airline tickets for Parker to fly to Palm Beach the next day.
Doe sought liquidated damages of $150,000 per video under a federal statute that criminalizes the non‑consensual distribution of intimate images, and $10,000 per video under Florida’s sexual cyberharassment law, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. The case was settled in the fall, with both parties dismissed from the lawsuit with prejudice—meaning the claims cannot be refiled. The settlement terms were not disclosed, and Farkas did not admit any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for Farkas said the suit was settled “purely for convenience.”
Judge Ronnie Abrams noted the case had been “settled in principle” and closed it administratively in August. In September, Doe formally dismissed the claims against Farkas with prejudice.
The lawsuit drew renewed attention to Farkas’s past business relationship with Epstein. In 2007, Farkas purchased American Yacht Harbor, a Virgin Islands marina, and Epstein later acquired a 50% stake. The New York Times reported that Farkas’s marina partnership with Epstein was strictly professional and that he regrets the association. No evidence links Farkas to Epstein’s criminal conduct.
Farkas is the founder of Island Capital Group, a merchant bank that has acquired some of New York City’s most prominent hospitality assets. In 2022, Island Capital bought the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel for $373 million and listed the Lexington Hotel for $275 million. His net worth is estimated at $2.34 billion. Farkas has long been a major political donor, including to former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, whom he employed in a senior role at Island Capital while Cuomo was out of office.
Angelica Parker, who has also gone by Angelica Cecora, has a history of civil litigation. In 2012 she sued boxer Oscar De La Hoya for emotional distress and other claims, a case that was dismissed. In 2024 she filed a sexual assault suit against real‑estate broker Tal Alexander and his brothers, which was later dismissed on procedural grounds. Parker’s involvement in the current lawsuit emerged after months of discovery battles in a separate federal case that sought her text messages, videos, photographs, and payment records involving multiple parties, including Farkas.
The lawsuit’s discovery phase focused on explicit recordings and private communications, providing the backdrop for how the allegations surfaced. Despite the settlement, the case highlights the complex web of personal and professional relationships that can surface in high‑profile real‑estate circles, especially when past associations with controversial figures like Epstein come under scrutiny.
