EXCLUSIVE
An esteemed billionaire philosophy professor who died while facing sexual assault allegations struck a $20,000-a-month deal with a sex worker who required her to call him “daddy.”
Dr John Forge, 77, died abruptly in Cataract Gorge, Launceston, on May 2 this year, just hours after being visited by a detective over allegations he sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman, aged in her 30s. , between 2019 and 2022.
The death of the former Oxford University student has shocked academic circles in Australia, where Dr Forge, an honorary professor at the University of Sydney, was a respected researcher who dedicated his life to studying human morals and ethics.
Now, new details have emerged about the award-winning philosopher’s secret life of debauchery and his ‘creepy’ obsession with his alleged victim.
Skylar Silverstein, a Melbourne-based sex worker, was employed by Dr Forge from January to October last year.
During that time he lived between Sydney and Launceston and I would fly her to both cities to see him.
“We got on quite well and decided to work out a deal where I would see him a certain number of times a month,” she told Daily Mail Australia.
‘I received a generous monthly allowance of $20,000 plus exotic vacations.
Respected philosophy professor Dr John Forge (pictured) died last month amid allegations he sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman over three years.
‘He took me to all the fancy restaurants, showered me with expensive gifts. We drank the best champagnes and wines. She bought me designer items and a luxury spa.
‘We share many personal details. I really felt like I knew him even at that moment. We talk on the phone every day.’
But despite his public appearances, Dr. Forge had a wild side and some very unusual fetishes.
‘He was extremely perverted. According to the agreement, he had to call him ‘Daddy John’ and he wanted me to be tied and gagged,” said Mrs. Silverstein.
‘He even turned to illegal drug use at the age of 77!
‘I have an Onlyfans account and he was helping me with the content. His voice is in some of the videos.’
Last month, Silverstein was shocked when he received a call informing him of her death and the circumstances surrounding it.
It was only then that he realized that some of the seemingly innocent conversations he had had with Dr. Forge were, in retrospect, exceptionally “creepy.”
Ms. Silverstein worked for Dr. Forge between January and October of last year.
A letter Dr. Forge wrote to Ms. Silverstein detailing aspects of their agreement
‘In the arrangement he talked a lot about her (his alleged victim). It was strange,’ she said.
‘He said he loved her… (but) it was an unhealthy love. He was (supposedly) stalking her.
‘He took advantage of the vulnerable.
“It makes my stomach turn.”
Appointed an honorary professor at the University of Sydney in the early 2000s, Dr Forge focused his research on the moral responsibilities of scientists, particularly in the use and development of weapons.
His impressive list of tertiary achievements included periods of study at several prestigious institutions, including Oxford, Cornell and University College London.
In addition to the Eureka Prize, his book The Responsible Scientist: A Philosophical Inquiry won the 2009 David Harold Tribe Philosophy Prize.
He also appeared in interviews on ABC shows, including Late Night Live and The Philosopher’s Zone.
Sexual assault detectives visited Dr Forge at his home at around 1.30pm on May 2 and asked him to come to the police station to give a statement about the allegations.
The alleged victim’s mother told Daily Mail Australia the detective called her at 3pm to inform her he had attended the property.
But that same night, the detective called again to inform him that a member of the public had found Dr. Forge dead in Cataract Gorge.
“It took a lot of guts to go to the police and make her statement,” the alleged victim’s mother said.
Dr. Forge paid Ms. Silverstein $20,000 a month as part of their settlement
Pictured: Cataract Gorge in Launceston, where Dr Forge was found dead last month.
‘She (the alleged victim) has a strong sense of justice.
“She told me, ‘He will never have his day in court. He will never have to pay for what he has (supposedly) done.”
According to his website, Dr. Forge defined morality as “the way moral people should behave toward others” and stated that “to cause harm unnecessarily and wantonly is to do something morally wrong.”
Silverstein said Dr. Forge was proud of his reputation and skilled at hiding his true self.
“He seemed charming, he was well respected in various academic circles, he was an author, he wrote many books. Beneath that exterior, he was (an alleged) predator,” she said.
‘It’s ironic that he wrote a book on gun morality, but still, where was his moral obligation to this girl?
“I’m going to have to go to therapy because the person I thought I knew wasn’t that person.”
The new revelations come after Daily Mail Australia revealed that Dr Forge was at the center of sexual assault allegations at the time of his death.
His profile on the University of Sydney website has since been deleted.
On Tuesday, a University of Sydney spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the educator was concerned about the allegations against Dr Forge.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone in our community,” a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.
‘We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of intimidating or abusive behaviour, including sexual misconduct.
“If any of our community experiences or witnesses such behaviour, we urge you to get in touch so we can provide appropriate support and follow-up.”
A report on Dr Forge’s death will be prepared for the coroner.
For 24/7 confidential crisis support, call Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or 1800 RESPECT