Longtime Gates Wealth Manager Had 2017 Harassment Complaint: NYT

KIRKLAND, WA — A lengthy report in the New York Times on Sunday, detailing allegations of inappropriate workplace advances by Bill Gates, revealed a previously unknown sexual harassment claim against the Gateses longtime wealth manager.

According to the Times, Michael Larson has managed the Bill and Melinda Gates' gargantuan investment portfolio for decades, under a firm named Cascade Investment, based in Kirkland. The holding company's investments have included sizable stakes in Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts and Republic Services, a waste management company.

The Times reports Larson was accused of sexually harassing the owner of a neighboring bike shop in 2017, who then reached out to the Gateses for help resolving the situation instead of legal action. According to the Times, Melinda Gates pressed for an external investigation into Larson's behavior and Cascade's office culture, but he was ultimately reinstated and the matter resolved with a quiet settlement agreement.

Related: Bill Gates Keeps Leadership Roles Despite Allegations

The newspaper reported Larson remains the financial manager, and his spokesperson did not comment on the story. The case was the latest in a growing number of newly revealed rifts leading up to the Gateses divorce announcement this month, including reports that Melinda Gates sought to end the marriage over Bill Gates' social relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Gateses divorce proceedings officially began Friday, and it remains to be seen how one of the world's wealthiest couples will divide their assets.

Read more in the New York Times.