ABC Entertainment News | ABC Business NewsCopy

The pioneer of "hot yoga" Bikram Choudhury is now under fire himself, defending his yoga empire against lawsuits brought by women claiming sexual misconduct.

In the last year, five women have filed civil lawsuits against Bikram, one of the richest, most successful yoga gurus in the world. All five of them accuse Bikram of sexually assaulting them. Four of the women accuse him of rape.

Hes a sick man, plaintiff Sarah Baughn told ABC News' "Nightline" correspondent David Wright. I hope he gets some help.

Baughn was the first alleged victim to speak up, recently telling her story to Vanity Fair magazine. Her appearance on "Nightline" along with two other women pursuing lawsuits against Bikram and his Yoga College of India is the first time the alleged victims have detailed their claims on camera.

Baughn, a former yoga champion, told "Nightline" she met Bikram in 2005 when she attended his teacher training course. The grueling nine-week course, which costs thousands of dollars, is led by Bikram and is the only way to become a Bikram yoga teacher.

Baughn, 20 at the time, said Bikram took an immediate interest in her.

He told me there was a connection between the two of us that he had never felt before, Baughn said, adding he claimed to have known her in a past life.

Part of me felt a little bit funny, she added. "But still part of me felt like I might be his favorite. This is crazy!

Baughn said Bikram repeatedly made unwanted advances, starting by giving her the gold Rolex watch off his wrist in the middle of class just three days into training. She said she gave it back after class.

Here is the original post:
Women Suing Hot Yoga Guru For Alleged Sexual Assault Come Forward