The most recent claim in the ever-growing wave of sexual harassment complaints comes from the bookselling industry. Although the company kept quiet about it at first, a public exchange of accusations has revealed that Barnes & Noble has fired its CEO over allegations of sexual harassment, among other reasons. The heated conflict became public when the CEO filed a lawsuit claiming defamation and breach of contract.
The CEO, who only worked for Barnes & Noble from November 2016 until July of this year, was allegedly fired for violations of the company’s policies, according to a company press release. They have implied that serious sexual misconduct was involved, but no specific references are mentioned in the complaint. However, the founder of the book chain has suggested that the CEO made inappropriate comments to an executive assistant, which the CEO has denied.
For his part, the CEO has described himself as a well-respected retail executive and a high integrity leader. There has been bad blood between the CEO and the company’s founder since a deal to sell the financially ailing chain fell through. The CEO has described the founder as someone who frequently engaged in inappropriate and unprofessional conduct. Prior to working for Barnes & Noble, the CEO worked for Staples, the office supply chain, in various roles for nearly 30 years. He was the bookseller’s fourth non-interim chief executive in four years.
Sexual harassment lawsuits can involve a wide variety of accusations. They often involve unwanted sexual advances, offensive comments about gender, and comments or actions of a sexual nature. Successfully proven cases can result in financial compensation for the victim that may include:
- Back Pay: If you were turned down for a raise or a promotion, or were fired due to sexual harassment, you may be entitled to wages, bonuses, commissions, tips, the value of benefits, vacation or sick pay, stock options, profit sharing, and more.
- Front Pay: If you are successful in proving that you lost your job or had to quit because of reporting sexual harassment, you have the right to reinstatement, or you can return to your former job. However, that is not always possible as the role may no longer be available, or the environment may have become too hostile for you to return. If that is the case, you may be entitled to any wage loss you suffered from the time of your judgment and into the future.
- Compensatory and Punitive Damages: Compensatory damages include financial compensation for pain and suffering, harm to your reputation, and any out-of-pocket costs caused by the harassment, such as job search costs and medical bills. Punitive damages would apply if someone in management knew of your harassment but did nothing about it. There are caps on these rewards based on the size of the company.
Bucks County Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Fight for Victims Harmed in the Workplace
No one should have to deal with sexual harassment in their place of employment. If you have experienced sexual harassment or discrimination on the job, please call the Bucks County sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. We can guide you toward making the best decisions and protect your workplace rights. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients from the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
