By simply reading the article, it comes across that
- it was a repeat business arrangement and the ladies are professionals that specialize in this “specific area”.
- the engagement ended, the ladies are looking for an extra payday (note that it’s a civil suit, not criminal).
- to boost their case, the lawyers leaked the story to the one newspaper that is likely to be read by the jurors.
Not saying that HR is a victim (he’s a horrible asshole, I’ve dealt with him closely and I hope these ladies collect as much as possible) but certainly it sounds more along the lines of Kobe Bryant or DSK “rape” stories.