Sexual harassment can occur in many different forms in any workplace environment. Many sexual harassment claims involve rich, successful people taking advantage of those who work for them. Because of their position of power, the person being harassed may feel obligated to put up with unwanted sexual advances just to keep their jobs. Some victims of sexual harassment in Rhode Island speak out in hopes of remedying the situation, but instead just end up with a pink slip.
Rapper and business mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has recently been sued for sexual harassment by one of his former employees. The woman, who worked as a chef for Combs in 2015, said that she was sexually harassed by Combs in various ways.
The woman was first hired as a weekend chef, but was eventually given a full-time position and traveled with Combs regularly. According to her, she was asked to serve food to Combs and his guests while they were involved in sexual activity. Combs also allegedly asked the woman if she liked his naked body.
The woman reported the incidents to Combs’ estate director. Shortly thereafter, she was accused of theft and fired in May of 2016. The woman claims that she was lured into the situation because of her complaints.
The lawsuit alleges sexual harassment as well as a hostile work environment and other claims. Her damages are unspecified, but if the court finds that the alleged harassment did occur, she is likely to recover compensation for her wrongful termination. This compensation may include coverage for lost wages and benefits, reinstatement, front pay, which is pay for future wage loss if you cannot be reinstated to your previous job, emotional damages and medical expenses, if necessary.
Source: People, “Diddy Sued for Sexual Harassment by Former Chef Who Claims She Had to ‘Serve Him a Post Coital Meal,” Daniel Goldblatt, May 9, 2017