DURHAM — The Rice Diet has had its share of controversy, but the issue didn’t stem from the diet. Instead, the founder of the diet was at the center of the storm.
In 1993, a former patient sued Duke University and the diet’s respected founder Walter Kempner, alleging he had turned her into a “sex slave.”
Kempner, who was reclusive and described himself as “strange,” was 90 when the lawsuit was filed. He was said to have used a riding crop on female patients who did not adhere to the program.
Sharon Ryan alleged in her lawsuit that when she broke rules against gaining weight, Kempner ordered her to remove her clothes and whipped her with a riding crop, which then led to a sexual relationship with her until 1987.
Kempner acknowledged whipping Ryan for violating the rules, but denied all other allegations of wrongdoing.
The lawsuit was settled in 1998. Kempner had died in 1997, but the suit continued against his estate and Duke. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
At the time, Duke spokesman John Burness said, “We are pleased this matter has been settled to the satisfaction of the parties. Dr. Kempner was a giant who developed a whole approach to an understanding of nutrition that shaped the world’s understanding of health. His positive impact on countless lives cannot be overestimated.’’
Duke ended its relationship with the program in 2002.
