Florida readers may be interested to learn that a former marketing vice president for L’Oréal Cosmetics has filed a lawsuit against the company over alleged racial discrimination. She also accused the beauty giant of fostering a toxic work environment.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff, who is African-American, was forced to endure “racist hostility” from her bosses during her time with the company. The suit also claims that she observed a male executive watching pornography during a business meeting and that European work trips devolved into “sex-fueled parties” at luxury hotels. The complaint further alleges that she was physically threatened by another vice president during a trip to Europe and was fired in retaliation for reporting the incident.
The plaintiff is requesting damages in the amount of all the earnings she would have received had she not been fired. She is also seeking compensatory and punitive damages. For its part, L’Oréal counters that the plaintiff was fired because she engaged in a pattern of unprofessional behavior during her final months with the company. It further argues that she demonstrated threatening and abusive behavior toward her co-workers. Finally, it alleges that her claims were thoroughly investigated and found to be without merit.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against employees due to their race. Employees who believe they have been subjected to racial discrimination at work may benefit by seeking Boca Raton, Florida, workplace racial discrimination legal assistance from an employment attorney. The attorney may assess the case and explain how to document incidents of discrimination. Legal counsel might also help file a complaint with the appropriate state agency or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Source: Ebony, “L’Oréal Sued for Racial Discrimination & Toxic Work Environment,” Jessica Bennett, Nov. 27, 2018
