Arrest Warrant Issued For Bikram Yoga Founder


According to ABC News, the 73-year-old Bikram founder has a warrant out for his arrest because he failed to pay damages owed to Minakshi “Micki” Jafa-Bodden, a lawyer and his former legal advisor, who accused him of sexual harassment and unfair retaliation. While serving as general counsel for Choudhury, Jafa-Bodden says she refused to help cover up a rape allegation from a former student, and was promptly fired. Jafa-Bodden also says Choudhury made inappropriate comments to her about other women and tried to coerce her into staying with him in a hotel suite, according to CBS News.

Related: U.S. Gymnasts Open Up About Alleged Sexual Abuse By Team Doctor: ‘He Was My Buddy’

In January 2016, Choudhury was found guilty and was ordered to pay nearly $6.5 million in punitive damages and $924,000 in compensatory damages to Jafa-Bodden. After winning her lawsuit in 2016, Jafa-Bodden said she felt “vindicated” and called it a “great day for women.”

Related: 9 Celebs Who’ve Spoken Openly About Being Sexually Assaulted

Now, the warrant allows authorities to arrest Choudhury in the U.S.—or Mexico, which is where authorities believe Choudhury has fled, bringing with him luxury vehicles and other property, CBS reports. Last year, lawyers for Choudhury claimed he was bankrupt. Bail is set at $8 million.