TV Commentator Drops Embezzlement Claim Against Former Chief of Staff

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A television personality and businesswoman has dropped her lawsuit against a former subordinate who the plaintiff accused of making hundreds of charges on a corporate credit account to support a lavish lifestyle while the plaintiff was distracted by other events, including her writing sabbatical.

Former CNN liberal political commentator Angela Rye filed the Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit on behalf of herself and IMPACT Strategies against Naja P. Mix, alleging fraud/theft/embezzlement, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, conversion and unfair business practices. Rye is the CEO of IMPACT Strategies, a political advocacy firm.

On Wednesday, Rye's attorneys filed court papers with Judge Tony L. Richardson asking that the plaintiff's case be dismissed "with prejudice," meaning it cannot be refiled. The court papers do not state whether a settlement was reached or if Rye is not pursuing the case for other reasons.

In her earlier court papers, Mix had asked that the complaint be dismissed, that judgment be entered in her favor with no obligation to pay any damages and that she be awarded attorneys' fees.

But Rye, 45, sought unspecified compensatory and punitive damages from Mix.

"This case is about a defendant who served as a chief of staff for the plaintiff's company and established trust only to abuse it," according to the suit filed in April 2023.

The alleged financial abuse occurred during a time when Rye was experiencing a "series of tumultuous events, including ... an absent business manager and a writing sabbatical," according to the suit.

"The defendant led a life of extravagance, dining at the finest restaurants, renting expensive cars, traveling first class and buying out the bar at the plaintiff's expense," all without Rye's knowledge, according to the suit.

For nearly two years, Mix engaged in mail fraud, wire fraud and embezzlement using a corporate American Express card entrusted to her, the suit stated. In August 2021, Mix spent $1,325 at the Adults Only bar in Hollywood and a month later paid a $2,500 deposit for a luxury apartment in Anaheim, according to the suit.

Mix also bought Delta Airlines tickets for herself and her boyfriend to fly to New Orleans to attend Louisiana State University's homecoming in October 2021 and she had a $1,040 bill at AC Hotel, the suit stated.

Mix continued her lavish spending at restaurants and in travel in 2022, including a brunch at the Rooftop by JG at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills in November that included tequila and food totaling $560, the suit alleged.

Rye filed a report with Los Angeles police in April 2023 alleging theft and embezzlement, the suit stated.

Rye is currently a special correspondent for ESPN.