L’Oréal S.A. is the world’s largest cosmetics company. It is known globally for cosmetic products in the areas of hair care, skin care, sun protection, make-up, and perfume. L’Oréal’s former marketing vice president has filed a lawsuit against the company claiming racial discrimination, wrongful termination, and a hostile work environment.
She cited a list of discriminatory actions she had personally witnessed, including a male executive watching pornography during a business meeting and sex-fueled parties at luxury European hotels during work trips. She was retaliated against when she filed a complaint against another executive, who she says threatened her with physical harm. This executive would encourage her at parties to bring young male employees to his hotel room.
She alleges that she felt physically threatened by one colleague and experienced anxiety, depression, and stress as a result. Her complaint therefore includes charges of disability discrimination. The former vice president is African-American. At the highest levels of management, she claimed hostility toward people based on race was commonplace.
She is suing for earnings she would have received, in addition to compensatory and punitive damages. She has also stated that she wants the company to be permanently restrained by the law from continuing its discriminatory policies against members of protected groups. She has also asked for assurance that this suit not cause her to be blacklisted from other opportunities within that industry.
L’Oréal’s Response
L’Oréal responded that the former vice president was dismissed for unprofessional conduct and communications issues, and denied her claims of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. What her claim shows, however, is that even at the top levels of management, discrimination can be perceived and lead to major legal problems for the company that stands accused.
Laws Against Discrimination
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment. This includes actions such as requests for sexual favors, verbal harassment, and offensive remarks that diminish women. If you feel humiliated, put down, or mistreated because of your race, nationality, or religion, you may have a strong case for discrimination. If the employer takes the abuse to the next level and retaliates after you complain about mistreatment, penalties can be harsh.
Bucks County Employment Discrimination Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Fight Workplace Discrimination
If you or someone you know has been the victim of discrimination in the workplace, seek an attorney who understands the law and will fight to protect your rights. The Bucks County employment discrimination lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. can help you obtain justice. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients from surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
