Ben Pasternak, the 26-year-old founder of the plant-based food brand Simulate, has been arrested in New York City. The entrepreneur faces serious criminal charges following an alleged violent confrontation with his former partner, social media influencer Evelyn Ha.
The incident reportedly occurred on March 31, 2026, at the Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan. Authorities allege that Pasternak physically assaulted Ha within the luxury suite, resulting in visible injuries that required medical intervention.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, the charges include felony second-degree strangulation and misdemeanor assault. Prosecutors claim Pasternak applied pressure to Ha’s neck and caused significant bruising during the altercation.
Pasternak has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. His legal team maintains that the entrepreneur acted in self-defense, alleging that Ha was the primary aggressor during the encounter.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest have drawn additional scrutiny due to Pasternak’s presence at the hotel. Reports suggest he was staying at the high-end property to avoid being served in a separate civil lawsuit involving his new crypto venture, Believe.
Investors in the Believe platform have accused Pasternak of engaging in fraudulent activities, specifically regarding the dilution of crypto tokens. These allegations have compounded the legal pressure facing the former teen millionaire.
Evelyn Ha has publicly addressed the situation through her social media channels. She described the relationship as volatile and stated that she had previously attempted to establish boundaries for her own personal safety.
Pasternak rose to prominence as a teenage entrepreneur who dropped out of high school to pursue startup ventures. He gained significant media attention after selling his Simulate brand in 2024, marking a transition from tech prodigy to a figure now embroiled in multiple legal battles.
The case continues to unfold as both sides prepare for further court proceedings. The intersection of high-stakes business litigation and domestic criminal charges has turned this into a high-profile matter for the Manhattan legal system.
As the investigation proceeds, the public remains focused on the conflicting narratives presented by both parties. The outcome of these proceedings will likely have lasting implications for Pasternak’s professional reputation and his future in the startup sector.