The famous Bohemian Grove encampment, which draws some of the richest and most powerful American men to the Sonoma County redwoods every July, recently settled a wage theft lawsuit brought by three of its employees, but not before some embarrassing allegations came to light.
Three Bohemian Grove employees sued the nonprofit Bohemian Club and related companies in 2023 for allegedly violating California labor laws, such as by not providing meal breaks and not paying the minimum wage during the event, which is restricted to men. The nearly 150-year-old party is shrouded in mystery, but it takes place in a 2,700-acre camp outside Monte Rio along the Russian River and lasts about three weeks before ending with a rumoured burning of a human effigy and a giant owl.
The three employees — Shawn Granger, Anthony Gregg, and Wallid Saad — said they were forced to work close to 100 hours per week during the event but were instead instructed by their employers to only clock in 40 hours, according to a November 2023 filing. Gregg also said he was mocked by club members “for complying with a request from famous billionaire William Koch to hand wash his underwear.”
William “Bill” Koch is a billionaire industrialist and the twin brother of David Koch, a fellow billionaire and Republican megadonor. Both men inherited part of their father’s company Koch Industries, although William sold his shares in the 1980s. Forbes currently estimates William’s net worth to be $2 billion.
Brad Goldstein, a spokesperson for William Koch, denied the allegations regarding underwear washing in an interview with SFGATE Friday. He said that it was likely just an attempt to pressure the club’s owners into paying a settlement.






You must be logged in to post a comment.