Many Florida women continue to deal with sexual harassment on the job, even in high-profile positions in entertainment, law or technology. The #MeToo movement has brought many of these cases to the forefront, but new sexual harassment issues continue to emerge on a daily basis. Many victims worry about reporting the harassment because, even though it is illegal, they are afraid that they will face retaliation. A high-ranking Hollywood executive is alleging that she was subjected to unlawful retaliation and employment discrimination after reporting sexual harassment by a prominent entertainment lawyer.
The suspended president and CEO of the organization that runs the Grammy Awards, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after she was placed on administrative leave from her position. She had been appointed to the position following a widespread controversy over male dominance of the music awards, especially after the previous CEO called on women to “step up” rather than acknowledging institutional discrimination. She says that she was placed on leave after submitting a letter to the organization’s board reporting that the influential lawyer, the founding chair of Greenberg Traurig’s entertainment and media division, sexually harassed her while she was planning to take the CEO position.
She says that the lawyer attempted to kiss her, suggested that they spend more time together and called her “baby”, despite her rejection of his advances. The lawyer works as general counsel for the NARAS in addition to his position at his firm. The suspended CEO says that she was trying to change a “boys’ club” mentality and faced sex discrimination in return.
Even prominent executives and well-paid professionals may have to deal with harassment, retaliation and workplace discrimination. Affected employees may seek South Florida sexual harassment legal assistance to help them pursue justice and accountability.