Sexual harassment allegations almost too outlandish to believe

Posted in Sexual Harassment on January 25, 2014

Most office environments are fairly tame, with employees who are mutually respectful of one another. That’s why it is so shocking to hear stories of offices where employees and management openly discuss things like sex and drugs and sometimes even partake in them.

Each of us has probably had at least one “nightmare” job in the past, but even our worst work experiences may pale in comparison to what some Americans have to face. While it did not occur here in California, a recent sexual harassment lawsuit contains such outrageous allegations that it is sure to receive national attention.

The allegedly hostile work environment is a local news station in Cleveland, Ohio. The plaintiff is a sales worker at the station who says that he and other employees were pressured to “engage in inappropriate sexual practices including sexual contact with other employees and clients.” He was also allegedly exposed to “rampant use of illegal drugs at corporate events, many times involving clients.”

The plaintiff also says that a female executive and certain other employees would secure the business of clients by providing sexual favors, including oral sex. There were times when such tactics were effective at bringing in business, but also at least one instance where the plaintiff’s boss allegedly lost a $300,000 account because she made flagrant sexual comments in front of a client.

Although he feared for his job if he complained about the hostile working environment, the plaintiff did eventually speak up. He says that he was indeed fired, but that the decision was eventually reversed. He claims he is now experiencing other forms of retaliation instead, and his lawsuit seeks $35,000 in damages.

If even some of these allegations are true, it is unclear how the defendants will be able to explain and/or justify their actions and behavior. Many will likely be watching this outrageous case as it unfolds.

Source: The Daily Mail, “TV executives ‘took drugs, went on bikini cruises and gave oral sex to clients’, claims sexual harassment lawsuit,” Daniel Bates, Jan. 14, 2014