Varvaro contends his actions amounted to defamation because they accused her of unethical and potentially criminal conduct that harmed her personally and professionally.
A former Department of Homeland Security counterterrorism official has filed a defamation lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend, alleging he fabricated claims that she engaged in a "sugar daddy" relationship and anonymously spread those accusations to federal investigators and the media, ultimately costing her a government career.
Julia Varvaro, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention at DHS, filed the lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against Robert Bianchi, the CEO of government contractor SDVO Solutions. According to the complaint, Bianchi launched what Varvaro describes as a "malicious smear campaign" after their romantic relationship ended, falsely portraying her as someone who exchanged companionship for financial benefits.
According to the complaint, the pair met in 2022 and began dating the following year, with Varvaro alleging they maintained an exclusive relationship that included vacations together, time with Bianchi's children, and discussions about marriage. She contends the relationship ended after she rejected Bianchi's proposal that they purchase a home together.
The lawsuit alleges that after the breakup, Bianchi filed a complaint with the DHS Office of Inspector General accusing Varvaro of accepting expensive gifts, luxury travel, and other benefits in exchange for companionship while holding a senior national security position. Varvaro further alleges Bianchi anonymously provided similar accusations, along with photographs and text messages, to the Daily Mail, leading to a series of articles that publicized the allegations.
Varvaro alleges the accusations triggered an internal DHS investigation that resulted in her being placed on administrative leave before she was ultimately terminated. She also claims the allegations caused the CIA to rescind a job offer for a senior position and damaged her professional reputation.
The lawsuit points to statements Bianchi later made to People magazine after the allegations became public. While Bianchi said he reported Varvaro because he believed there was "a national security concern," he also stated, "My relationship with Ms. Varvaro was brief and personal. It was not a 'sugar' relationship nor do I allege she bilked me of anything." Varvaro argues that statement directly contradicts the allegations she says Bianchi made to DHS investigators and anonymously to the Daily Mail, forming a central basis for her defamation claims. People also reported that it could not independently verify several of the allegations contained in the Daily Mail reporting.
The complaint further alleges Bianchi's public statements are inconsistent with the extensive evidence of a conventional romantic relationship, including trips together and time spent with each other's families. Varvaro also claims she financially assisted Bianchi during a medical emergency while they were traveling in Europe, alleging she paid approximately $1,100 toward his treatment after he suffered a kidney stone.
According to the lawsuit, Bianchi's allegations were false and were motivated by personal retaliation after the relationship ended. Varvaro contends his actions amounted to defamation because they accused her of unethical and potentially criminal conduct that harmed her personally and professionally.
The complaint brings claims for defamation per se and defamation by implication, seeking compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress, presumed damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees, and other relief the court deems appropriate.
Bianchi has not yet filed a response to the complaint.
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