High Profile Sexual Harassment Case against Waffle House Chairman
11 January 2013Author: Law Office of Alena Shautsova
Sometimes women are reluctant to bring a sexual harassment case against an employer for fear of the repercussions. Losing their jobs is generally a major consideration, especially in today’s tight job market.
Such was the case of a woman who worked as the housekeeper and personal assistant of the Chairman of Waffle House, Joe Rogers, according to a NY Daily News article. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant had demanded she perform sexual acts to keep her job. As a single mother, she could not stand to lose her job because comparable employment was not available. Consequently, she endured the harassment from 2003 to 2012. When her son obtained a full college scholarship during the summer of 2012, she quit her job and filed a police report that disclosed the harassment. The woman’s job had no connection with Waffle House because she was employed personally by Rogers.
The defense argues that the sexual encounters were consensual and that the woman took videos to extort money from Rogers. However, the plaintiff states that she recorded their encounters to help prove her sexual harassment case against him.
The court initially put the videos under seal, but leaks to several media outlets resulted in the court opening filings to the public.
If you face workplace discrimination or harassment issues, discuss your situation with a New York immigration lawyer. Protect your rights and get legal help to fight discrimination.