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Coroner rules death of key accuser non-suspicious
Kate Whiteman, the first woman to publicly accuse high-profile real estate figures Oren and Alon Alexander of sexual assault, died in Australia late last year, according to recent reports. A New South Wales coroner's investigation concluded her death was not suspicious, though no further details were released out of respect for her family.
Legal battle and allegations
Whiteman filed a lawsuit against the Alexander twins in March 2024, alleging they sexually assaulted her in New York in 2012. The brothers, along with their older sibling Tal, were later arrested and charged with sex trafficking offenses. All three have pleaded not guilty and deny any wrongdoing.
Their trial is scheduled to begin on January 26, 2026, in Brooklyn. It remains unclear whether Whiteman was expected to testify in the case. Prosecutors have not responded to requests for comment.
Brothers' response and background
A spokesperson for the Alexanders stated they were unaware of Whiteman's death and criticized the timing of the disclosure, calling it questionable given the upcoming trial.
Oren and Tal Alexander previously worked at Douglas Elliman, handling luxury properties for celebrities like Liam Gallagher, Lindsay Lohan, Kim Kardashian, and Kanye West. In 2022, they launched their own firm, Official. Alon Alexander was employed at the family's security company, Kent Security.
Wider allegations and federal charges
Within days of Whiteman's accusations, a second woman, Rebecca Mandel, sued the brothers, alleging they drugged and assaulted her at a 2010 party. Over the following months, at least 17 women filed civil lawsuits, with claims spanning locations from Miami to Moscow. Many described being drugged before the alleged assaults.
In December 2024, the FBI arrested all three brothers on sex trafficking charges. Prosecutors allege they collaborated to drug, assault, and rape dozens of women since at least 2010. At a February 2025 arraignment, officials said they had interviewed over 60 women who claimed to be victims.
"We have no doubt the evidence will prove these are false allegations and the Alexanders are innocent."
Defense attorney for one of the brothers
The brothers have been detained without bail at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center for the past 13 months.
Defense challenges charges
An attorney representing one of the brothers told CBS News the federal charges were an "overreach," arguing the allegations did not constitute sex trafficking. The defense maintains the accusations are baseless and expects exoneration at trial.
