The widow of an early Roblox software developer is suing a male escort, alleging he exploited her grief and medical vulnerability and persuaded her to transfer nearly $6 million.
Marianne Flippo, 49, filed a lawsuit against Greggory Blaine Starr, 38, in Manhattan Supreme Court. She is seeking the return of $5.95 million, along with legal fees and restrictions preventing Starr from spending additional funds.
Flippo’s late husband, Chad Flippo, reportedly joined Roblox during its early years and held several software-related patents. He died in August 2024 after the couple had been together for decades.
According to the lawsuit, Flippo initially hired Starr through escort agency Cowboys4Angels to accompany her on a trip to Italy. Their relationship later continued, with Flippo allegedly paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for his exclusive companionship.
The lawsuit claims Starr eventually told Flippo that leaving the agency permanently would require a $10 million contract buyout. Flippo alleges the agreement was presented while she was recovering from surgery, taking prescription medication, and had consumed alcohol.
Her initial attempts to wire $10 million were reportedly blocked by banks over potential fraud concerns. Flippo claims she later transferred $5.95 million into a joint brokerage account with Starr, after which more than $5.7 million was allegedly moved into an account under his sole control.
Flippo’s attorneys became suspicious after Starr allegedly sought another $4 million, according to the filings.
Starr denies the allegations and has claimed that he experienced abuse during the relationship and that some of the money was used for shared expenses and charitable donations.
The lawsuit is a civil dispute, and Roblox itself is not accused of any wrongdoing. Its connection to the case comes through Flippo’s late husband and his early work with the company.