When a sexual harassment claim is resolved, it is not necessarily over. In a recent case involving 20th Century Fox, a former Fox News Latino vice president is filing his own lawsuit against the network alleging that he was used as a scapegoat to demonstrate how the network “aggressively handles sexual harassment complaints.” This came after he was terminated following a $2.5 million settlement between the network and a contributor who claimed the vice president in question attempted to coerce her into sex. According to the vice president, the relationship between him and the contributor was completely consensual. Further, he alleges that he can provide proof of their consensual relationship through his own documents and photographs.
The vice president is currently seeking $48 million through his lawsuit. He claims that Fox News violated an agreement it had made with him at the time of the original sexual harassment claim. Allegedly, two other individuals were also involved in this settlement, and those individuals were not named in a statement Fox News made to The New York Times in March 2017 regarding the case.
Details of the Scapegoating Claim
A scapegoat is an individual forced to bear others’ blame. This individual might or might not also be guilty of the actions for which they are punished. In the vice president’s claim, he alleges that he suffered the following:
- Breach of contract
- Fraudulent misrepresentation
- Defamation
- Intentional interference with contractual relations
- Slander
- Libel
- Civil conspiracy
These can all hurt his career and as an extension, his ability to provide for himself and his family.
Harassment as a Type of Scapegoating
An individual can face harassment as a way to “punish” them for their perceived actions. When others were to blame for these actions, harassment can be a form of scapegoating. Even if the individual is guilty, harassment is never legal in the workplace.
When harassment or other means of punishment are employed against a worker, it is known as retaliation. Retaliation, like harassment and other forms of discrimination, is also illegal. All of these illegal actions can have a significant, detrimental impact on a victim’s career advancement, which is why victims have legal recourse to take action and recover compensation for their damages.
Workers affected by retaliation can file retaliation claims with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency charged with enforcing federal employment laws and investigating cases of alleged employment law violations. Workers who are considering filing this type of claim are advised to work with experienced employment lawyers.
Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Represent Discrimination Victims Seeking Justice
Fill out our online form or call 215-569-1999 today to schedule your initial consultation with an experienced Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Sexual harassment and scapegoating at the workplace are never acceptable, and if they occur in your workplace, take action right away to seek justice and compensation for any damages you suffered as a result of the illegal treatment. Our office is located in Philadelphia and we proudly serve clients from New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
