Fired Curator Sues Erotic Heritage Museum Founder, Alleges Affair

LAS VEGAS — Dr. Laura Henkel, the former director of art and associate curator of the Erotic Heritage Museum in Las Vegas, has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the museum's founder Dr. Ted McIlvenna.

Dr. Henkel alleges in the suit, filed in Clark County District Court, that Dr. McIlvenna fired her because she refused to rekindle the affair she ended with him three-years ago in 2007. Henkel is seeking a jury trial and damages in excess of $50,000.

Also named in the lawsuit are Dr. McIlvenna's wife and business partner Winnie McIlvenna, the McIlvennas' Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco and the Erotic Heritage Museum, which launched in 2008 and is home to more than 17,000 square feet of erotic displays and memorabilia. 

Dr. Henkel claims to have met Dr. McIlvenna in 2003 while enrolled at the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. Dr. McIlvenna was her professor and mentor when they began an affair in 2004. In the lawsuit, Dr. Henkel describes the relationship as "abusive and unhealthy."

She also alleges that Dr. McIlvenna's obsession with her continued while she worked as the Erotic Heritage Museum's art director and curator, leading to hospitalization for anxiety. She was fired on Sept. 24, 2010.

Dr. McIlvenna told LasVegasSun.com that he had yet to see the lawsuit, but dismissed the allegations as "nonsense," telling the site that Dr. Henkel was terminated for not reimbursing the museum the money she had borrowed for a trip to Germany with her boyfriend.

"I was not the one who was crazy and jealous," Dr. McIlvenna said. "I'm 80-years-old. She's a woman in her 40s. I simply terminated her for cause."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Elegant Angel Premieres Jennifer White Showcase 'Hollywood Whore'

Jennifer White gets the spotlight in a new six-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Autumn Rain Headlines Latest From TransSensual

Autumn Rain stars with Little Puck in “Playtime with a TS MILF,” from TransSensual.

Adult Time Releases New 'Out of the Family' Episodes for 'Steptember'

Adult Time has released new episodes of “Out of the Family,” as part of its “Steptember” series programming.

Alina Lopez Stars in Final Installment of Blacked Feature 'The Blueprint'

Alina Lopez stars with Vixen Media Group exclusive Jason Luv in the final installment of Blacked's new feature, "The Blueprint."

Miss Lexa Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Miss Lexa has made her Brazzers debut alongside JMac in the studio's latest release, titled "Miss Lexa Is a Powerhouse."

Mag Numb Leads Latest From PlantsVsCunts

Mag Numb stars in the latest scene from Hentaied studio brand Plants Vs. Cunts, titled “The Book of Curses.”

Connie Perignon Makes Her Debut for Parasited

Connie Perignon has made her Parasited debut in “A Lesson She Will Payback,” directed by El Pacho.

Aubrey Kate Featured in Latest From Kink.com

Aubrey Kate stars with Sage Roux in the new scene from Kink.com, titled “A Hole for the Prison Guard.”

Stephanie Love, Elise London Topline 'Anal & MILFY' From LeWood

Stephanie Love and Elise London headline "Anal & MILFY," the latest release from directing duo LeWood (Francesca Le and Mark Wood) for Evil Angel.

Girthmasterr Makes His Brazzers Debut

Girthmasterr has made his Brazzers debut alongside Luna Star and multi-XMAs winner Angela White in the studio's latest release, titled "Welcumming Committee."

Show More