Fame Under Fire - Playboy Bunnies and a sex dungeon: allegations against US trader
Download Playboy Bunnies and a sex dungeon: allegations against US trader
Retired New York financier Howard Rubin has been charged with sex trafficking multiple women, including Playboy models.
Prosecutors allege the women were sexually and physically assaulted in a Manhattan penthouse in a soundproofed room described as “The Dungeon”.
Rubin’s former assistant Jennifer Powers is charged as a co-conspirator.
They have both pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Host Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent assess the case and discuss why the prosecution have revealed the more shocking allegations in a letter recommending Rubin be denied bail.
This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence. If you are affected by anything in the programme, details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
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Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Vicky Farncombe
Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith
Production Coordinator: Tammy Snow
Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards
Editor: Clare Fordham
Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller
Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland
Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Published on Thursday, 16th October 2025.
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