 |
| A screengrab of Leslie Benzies during an interview with IGN |
The recent court-mandated release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case has sent ripples through various industries, and the world of video games is no exception. A name familiar to millions of Grand Theft Auto fans has surfaced in the files: Leslie Benzies, the former President of Rockstar North and a key producer behind the record-breaking franchise.
The mention comes from a witness list compiled by Sarah Ransome, an alleged victim of Epstein who has previously sued the financier and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell for sex trafficking. In her list, Ransome accuses Benzies of sexual assault. She further alleges that Sam Houser, co-founder and head of Rockstar Games, was aware of mistreatment she suffered. As an example, she claims Benzies once threw money at her in a demeaning manner to humiliate her publicly, and that Houser knew this occurred.
It is critical to note that no allegations of misconduct are made against Sam Houser in the document; the claim is specifically about his alleged awareness of an incident involving Benzies.
In a statement provided to Kotaku, Leslie Benzies has categorically denied the allegations. “These allegations are false,” he said. “I had a 3-month consensual relationship with this person, and I have never met Jeffrey Epstein, nor have I ever visited his island, his properties, or travelled on his plane. Any suggestion otherwise is misleading.”
The allegations, while now part of the public record via the Epstein files, remain unproven in a court of law and have not resulted in any criminal charges or judicial rulings against Benzies.
Current Studio Enters the Fray, Issues Legal Threats
The situation has swiftly impacted Benzies’ current venture. After leaving Rockstar in 2016 following a bitter legal dispute, he co-founded Build a Rocket Boy Studios. The studio recently launched its debut title, MindsEye, a futuristic shooter that has faced its own scrutiny over a reportedly turbulent development cycle.
The connection to the Epstein files was highlighted when a YouTuber known as Cyber Boi posted a video titled “Leslie Benzies is in the Epstein Files” to the official MindsEye Discord server. The fallout was immediate.
As reported by Kotaku, Build a Rocket Boy’s co-CEO, Mark Gerhard, issued a “formal cease and desist demand” against the creator directly in the Discord. Gerhard accused Cyber Boi of “media manipulation, espionage,” “sabotage,” and “interference targeting” the studio. The YouTuber subsequently removed the video, citing fear of “escalated legal action.”
Further coverage of the initial allegation can be found here.
A Microscope on Rockstar Amidst GTA VI Frenzy
The emergence of these allegations places a renewed, uncomfortable spotlight on Rockstar Games at a pivotal moment. The developer is deep in production on Grand Theft Auto VI, arguably the most anticipated video game of all time, slated for a Fall 2026 release. The studio is already under intense scrutiny from fans and media alike, with every rumor and leak dissected online.
Discussions about the implications for Rockstar’s legacy are already unfolding in community spaces. This incident also follows recent reports of internal tensions at Rockstar’s UK offices, including allegations of unfair dismissals and leaked development materials, adding to a complex backdrop for the company.
For now, the allegations against Leslie Benzies remain firmly in the realm of civil court documents and denied statements. However, the rapid, aggressive response from his current company and the inevitable link to one of gaming’s most storied franchises ensure this story will resonate far beyond the latest news cycle, intersecting with the ongoing cultural reckoning surrounding the Epstein case and the relentless pressure of the gaming industry’s spotlight.