Humane Society CEO, Wayne Pacelle, received multiple sexual harassment complaints from different women. A law firm hired by the Humane Society conducted an internal investigation regarding sexual harassment allegations. It was discovered that they offered settlements to three workers who claim they were demoted or discharged from their jobs after reporting the CEO’s behavior. Although Pacelle denies the complaints, some senior female leaders warned others about his toxic behavior, and apparently no one listened. Furthermore, it was perceived that only specific women who engaged in romantic relationships with Pacelle enjoyed career success. Back in 2005, the first complaint surfaced after Pacelle made unwanted romantic advances toward an intern. Another co-worker stated that he made inappropriate comments to her and suggested that if she dated him, she would achieve job success. Other complaints include the propositioning of colleagues, and plum work opportunities for his girlfriend despite her lack of qualifications.
Even when victims of sexual harassment report inappropriate workplace behavior to superiors, they may experience workplace retaliation or wrongful termination due to vocalizing wrongdoing on the part of employers or colleagues. These employment actions against victims of sexual harassment who reported claims in good faith are illegal.
If you believe you lost your job due to reporting sexual harassment in the workplace, contact our Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. at 215-569-1999 or contact us online. Our experienced attorneys will meet with you and discuss what the best course of action to choose in filing a claim.