The sexual harassment case against the owner of NYC’s celebrity hot spot, The Spotted Pig, has been settled after a year and a half long civil investigation completed by the attorney general’s office. The investigation further exposed a work environment that ran rampant with sexual harassment, unwanted advances and retaliation condoned and perpetrated by owner Kevin Friedman. Eleven former employees who alleged they were subject to sexual harassment will be receiving not only $240,000 to be paid by Kevin Friedman, but 20% of the restaurant’s future profits earned each year for the next 10 years with the affected employees.
This settlement is a great achievement for the #MeToo movement and the brave individuals who speak out against sexual harassment. Not only were the victims able to recover a monetary amount up front but were able to negotiate future profit sharing that could potentially amount to millions of dollars. Additionally, The Spotted Pig has agreed to institute new policies and training informing its current employees of their rights on discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation as well as their protections under the New York state and New York City human rights laws.
Successes in cases like these are extremely beneficial in encouraging employees to speak out against discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Employees have value and their injustices faced no longer have to be ignored under improved protections under the New York City Human Rights Law. If you feel you have been a victim of sexual harassment, no matter how high-profile the establishment is, do not hesitate to call an employment lawyer for a free consultation. Fitapelli & Schaffer, LLP offers a free and confidential consultation and is available to speak now. We can be reached at (212) 300-0375 or can be contacted via our website that has additional information about our practice.