Over the last several years, more than a few prominent members of the media have been accused of mistreating staff or even creating a hostile work environment. Since NBC’s Matt Lauer was terminated from his position in 2017, there have been accusations against other news anchors, hosts, producers, directors, and television personalities. Unfortunately, being in the public eye does not prevent someone from becoming a victim of workplace sexual harassment.
ABC News Faces Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
Sexual harassment is a form of sex-based discrimination that is prohibited by state and federal law, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employers have a legal obligation to respond to accusations of sexual harassment promptly and effectively. When employers do not take appropriate corrective action after a sexual harassment complaint, the harassment or discrimination victim may bring a lawsuit against the company.
A top ABC producer has taken legal action against the broadcasting company after she says she was subjected to sexual assault and ongoing harassment at work. Kirstyn Crawford says that she is not the only one who was assaulted by a senior executive producer. Crawford alleges that the executive producer created a toxic work environment characterized by verbal and physical harassment and intimidation, bullying, and pressuring others to binge drink. ABC is being accused of ignoring this behavior and “looking the other way” while the executive producer mistreated other staff.
What to Do If You Have Been Harassed at Work
The accusations against the ABC executive include two allegations of sexual assault against other employees of the company. Non-consensual sexual contact is one of the most egregious forms of sexual harassment, but it is certainly not the only one. Inappropriate, sexually explicit, or demeaning jokes, remarks, and behavior may also contribute to a hostile work environment. Quid pro quo harassment, or trading work advantages for sexual contact, is another form of sexual harassment prohibited by law.
If you have been subjected to quid pro quo sexual harassment or hostile work environment harassment at your workplace, report the harassment according to your company’s sexual harassment policy. If your employer does not rectify the situation or if your employer retaliates against you for making the report, you may have the right to sue for damages.
Contact a Wheaton Sexual Harassment Lawyer
Unfortunately, many victims of sexual harassment never take action against the harasser for fear of embarrassment, retaliation, or simply because they do not know their rights. At MKFM Law, our DuPage County discrimination attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of sexual harassment victims and holding harassers responsible. Call us at 630-665-7300 for a confidential consultation to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimberleespeakman/2021/08/26/abc-president-seeks-independent-investigation-into-sexual-assault-allegations/
https://money.cnn.com/2017/11/29/media/media-men-accused-of-sexual-misconduct/index.html
