October 14, 2026 
WELLINGTON, FL—Wellington International’s Lenore Brown, director of sponsorships and vendor sales, has voluntarily withdrawn her civil claims against former CEO Murray Kessler, resolving their months-long legal dispute, which began with a police report filed in February and led to a criminal charge and a civil suit. No payment or other consideration from Kessler was involved in the resolution.
The joint statement, released Wednesday, said that both parties now have a greater understanding of the circumstances surrounding the dispute and that it was “inappropriately handled” by Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP). “Both believe,” it continued, “that opportunities for open communication and an earlier, more constructive resolution were lost as the matter escalated.”
The civil suit, filed by Brown in Palm Beach County on Sept. 3, 2026, accused Kessler of battery, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress stemming from a Feb. 7, 2026 incident at the VIP Club at Wellington International.
According to the complaint, Brown was crouched beside a table speaking with a potential sponsor when Kessler approached from behind, “seized Plaintiff’s shoulder-length hair with both hands, gathered it into his fists, and forcefully pulled her head and upper body backward,” pulling her head against or immediately adjacent to his pelvic and crotch area, where he held her for approximately 30 seconds while giving her workplace instructions.
The incident was witnessed by several adults and two minor children, with two witnesses providing sworn statements cited in the complaint and police report.
Horse Network reported on the battery allegation on Mar. 23. On Mar. 27, Kessler was terminated from his roles as CEO of Equestrian Sport Production, LLC (ESP) and its affiliated entities, as well as from the management committee of Wellington Lifestyle Partners.
The civil suit followed a criminal battery charge—a first-degree misdemeanor—filed against Kessler on Apr. 20, 2026, after a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigation. That case remains open, according to court records.
Wednesday’s joint statement did not address several specific allegations detailed in Brown’s civil complaint—including a prior incident from approximately September 2025, in which two young female employees reported that Kessler displayed a nude photograph of himself on his cellular phone; that ESP did not conduct an adequate independent investigation or impose meaningful discipline; and that senior ESP leaders were offered as witnesses for Kessler in the criminal proceeding despite not being present for the Feb. 7 incident.
Kessler emphasized his four-decade career built on “integrity, fairness, and respect for others,” stating: “I have never wanted anyone I work with to feel uncomfortable or disrespected, and learning that Lenore felt that way has been one of the most difficult aspects of this experience for me. I have a great deal of respect for Lenore as a professional and I sincerely regret that she experienced those feelings.”
His statement continued, “From the outset, I believed that an open, fair process and a simple conversation could resolve the matter respectfully. I repeatedly asked for that opportunity, but it was never provided.”
Brown said that she has “come to understand more fully the circumstances surrounding this matter, including aspects of WLP’s handling of the situation that were not previously known to me,” adding that “what began as a misunderstanding was escalated into a deeply distressing and adversarial experience.”
She described the handling of the matter and “the lack of opportunities for clear communication and resolution” as having “contributed to a situation that felt increasingly hostile and, at times, abusive,” and expressed regret for “the personal and professional consequences this has had for [Kessler].”
Both parties said they were disappointed the dispute unnecessarily escalated and expressed hope that the Wellington community can refocus on the riders, competitions, and continued success of the sport.
A request for comment sent to WLP regarding the joint statement and the criticism of its handling of the matter was not returned by the time of publication.
The resolution announced Wednesday is subject to the authority of the relevant bodies.
This is a developing story.
