January 16, 2026 New York, NY The woman who single-handedly ignited one of the biggest scandals in the history of luxury real estate is dead—and the circumstances are far from clear.
Kate Whiteman, 45, the Australian native who first came forward to accuse twin brothers Alon and Oren Alexander of a brutal 2012 assault, was found dead near Sydney late last year. While initial reports may have leaned toward natural causes, the New South Wales Coroner’s Office has officially opened an investigation, citing significant "doubts" regarding how she died.
The Lawsuit That Cracked the Empire
Whiteman wasn't just another name in a court filing; she was the catalyst. Her lawsuit, filed in 2024, detailed a harrowing account of a Memorial Day weekend in the Hamptons that turned into a nightmare. She alleged the brothers kidnapped her in a black SUV, drove her to a remote location, and trapped her in a bedroom where she was pinned down and raped.
Her bravery acted as a lighthouse for others. Following her filing, a "chain reaction" occurred, leading to over 60 women coming forward with similar stories of abuse at the hands of the Alexander twins.
From Luxury Penthouses to Federal Prison
The Alexander brothers—once the golden boys of New York real estate—now sit in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Held without bail since December 2024, the twins and their older brother, Tal Alexander, face a staggering 12-count indictment including:
The prosecution alleges the brothers used their immense wealth and "celebrity broker" status as a trap, using parties and travel to lure women into predatory situations.
Photo: Al Diaz/Miami Herald