A former high-ranking Department of Homeland Security official has filed a federal defamation lawsuit accusing her wealthy ex-boyfriend of fabricating a “sugar daddy” smear campaign that she claims ended her government career and cost her a CIA position.
Julia Varvaro, 29, who previously served as DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism, filed the complaint Monday in the Eastern District of Virginia against Robert “Bob” Bianchi, 57, CEO of federal contractor SDVO Solutions. The lawsuit alleges defamation per se and defamation by implication.
According to the suit, Bianchi allegedly fabricated a DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) complaint that falsely claimed Varvaro’s college education was funded by “sugar daddies” and her jewelry consisted of “trophies.” The lawsuit states that Bianchi then leaked this confidential complaint, along with private photos and text messages, to The Daily Mail, igniting a tabloid scandal.
Varvaro’s attorneys argue that Bianchi intentionally manipulated intimate text messages to frame their age-gap relationship as a transactional “sugar baby” arrangement. One text message cited in the suit reads, “Don’t f— with Daddy on fashion,” to which Varvaro replied, “Daddy knows all.” Her legal team contends this was lighthearted banter about their age difference, not evidence of sex work.
The lawsuit also addresses Apple Cash transfers that Bianchi framed as “consideration for sex,” noting the payments were standard financial flows within a committed relationship. Screenshots included in the suit show exchanges where Bianchi expressed gratitude for Varvaro’s support, including during a medical emergency abroad where Varvaro allegedly covered his emergency medical bills. In one message, he texted, “I’m sorry lover … Thanks for your help today. I was struggling,” to which Varvaro replied, “It’s okay lover as long as you are good is the only thing that matters … Whatever you need I will figure out as long as you’re good.”
Bianchi also frequently messaged her support, writing, “I’m proud of the work you do. You’re making a difference,” and expressed gratitude after introducing her to his children, stating, “Thanks for a nice evening. I appreciate you meeting all my kids… I love you.”
However, the tone reportedly shifted during a government shutdown in February when Varvaro was furloughed. The lawsuit alleges that when Varvaro planned to take a temporary bartending job to pay rent, Bianchi insisted she come to him for funds but used her financial vulnerability as leverage for control. In one exchange, he purportedly texted her, “I told you I am not paying your bills until we are engaged.” Varvaro stated she refused the ultimatum and ended the relationship, telling him she did not need “an ATM.”
Varvaro’s attorney, Vel Freedman, described the fallout of the media controversy as “devastating.” He stated that Varvaro has suffered public humiliation, lost her position at DHS, and is seeking therapy. Freedman highlighted what he called the “unique weaponization of gender” in the alleged smear campaign, noting that Bianchi’s allegations were tailored to be “extraordinarily devastating to her career and her reputation… in a way that is sort of unique to being a woman.”
The legal battle challenges the narrative that began on April 22, when media reports first surfaced that Varvaro was ousted. An anonymous complainant, now identified as Bianchi, had told The Daily Mail he spent $40,000 on Varvaro and alleged she used drugs and had a dating profile on Seeking, a website that markets itself as “a space where love and luxury meet.” Varvaro maintains she met Bianchi on Hinge, a different dating app.
After his identity was revealed by the press, attorneys said Bianchi recanted, telling People Magazine their relationship was “brief and personal” and “not a 'sugar' relationship.” Despite this retraction, Varvaro was terminated from DHS, and her employment offer as a CIA targeting officer was rescinded. It remains unclear what specific concerns or infractions prompted Varvaro’s dismissal from DHS.
The CIA, DHS, Hinge, and Seeking did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Bianchi could not immediately be reached.