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Real Estate Heiress Joselyn Wohl Beat Up Sobriety Coach, Lawsuit Says

By James Fanelli | December 19, 2012 1:45pm

UPPER EAST SIDE — A Manhattan heiress with substance abuse problems roughed up her sobriety companion in her dad's swanky Southampton home, a new lawsuit charges.

Joselyn Wohl, the daughter of real estate mogul Larry Wohl, is accused of throwing her addiction coach, Heather McKean, down a flight of stairs and choking her.

McKean is now suing Joselyn, her father and her socialite mother, Denise Wohl, for not doing enough to safeguard against the 32-year-old heiress' "violent propensities," according to a lawsuit filed Monday in Manhattan Civil Supreme Court.

McKean's lawyer, Bryan J. Swerling, said his client had worked for a year with Joselyn as a live-in companion before the alleged March 5 attack.

"She was hired by the Wohls, Denise and Larry, to spend time with her daughter, who obviously had some issues," Swerling said. "One day Joselyn made up her mind she didn't want Heather around anymore and attacked her on the stairwell and yanked her down the stairs."

Swerling said Joselyn then choked McKean until his client managed to free herself and locked herself in a room to call police. The lawyer said Southampton cops took her into custody but never formally charged her.

"It took [McKean] by surprise," Swerling said of the alleged attack. "It's my understanding that Joselyn has had some prior outbursts."

The Southampton Town Police Department did not immediately provide information on the alleged incident.

The Wohls, who have a Park Avenue apartment, are known for their philanthropy and hosting galas around the city. Joselyn's socialite sister, Arden Wohl, who sports a signature headband, frequently shows up as a boldface name in gossip columns. 

A message left at Larry Wohl's real estate firm was not immediately returned.

Swerling said McKean suffered back and knee injuries in the alleged attack and will need to have surgery.

McKean, who now lives in Florida, is also suing her employer, Cerberus Life Management. The lawsuit does not specify the amount she seeks.