Billionaire Author Denies Threatening Journalist's Children

Billionaire author Amy Griffin has vehemently denied allegations that she threatened the children of a New York Times reporter, Katherine Rosman, in retaliation for a September 2025 investigation that questioned the veracity of her memoir, "The Tell." The memoir details Griffin's experiences with MDMA-assisted therapy and repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse.

A spokesperson for Griffin stated that the claims are "categorically false" and that Griffin never threatened Rosman or her family. According to the spokesperson, Griffin was upset after her daughter was involved in a group chat where the New York Times story was being discussed, leading to her words being "taken out of context and mischaracterized as a threat she never made." The spokesperson added that Griffin "has never contacted anyone associated with any university or school regarding Ms. Rosman’s children."

Griffin's memoir, "The Tell," which recounts overcoming repressed childhood memories of sexual abuse by a teacher, garnered widespread praise and led to her being named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2025. However, a former classmate, Joleene Altum, sued Griffin, claiming the abuse detailed in the book was eerily similar to her own experiences. Griffin counter-sued Altum for defamation, initiating a legal dispute that is ongoing.

The New York Times investigation suggested Griffin may have "borrowed" memories of abuse from a former schoolmate. Griffin denies these suggestions and maintains the accuracy of her book. The Times stated that if the allegations of threatening the reporter's children were true, it would represent a "stunning abuse of power and influence."

Griffin is a prominent figure in New York City's social scene, and her husband, John Griffin, is a hedge fund billionaire with an estimated net worth of $12 billion.