Full Case Article
Full article & case record
Employment Law — Sexual Harassment / Hostile Work Environment
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Hillel Chodos and Philip Kaufler represented Shelly Morita.
Facts
From February 2005 until February 2006, Shelly Morita worked as a personal assistant for Jon Peters, a movie producer. A year later, she sued Peters, alleging that he sexually harassed her and subjected her to a hostile work environment.
Plaintiff’s Contentions
Plaintiff alleged that defendant climbed into bed with her at a hotel where she stayed during the filming of a movie in Australia. She also alleged that he made inappropriate, suggestive comments, attempted to rub her thighs, exposed himself to her, and tried to bear hug her while nude. In addition, she claimed that defendant retaliated against her following the lawsuit.
Defendant’s Contentions
Defendant denied the allegations.
Result
The jury awarded plaintiff $2.5 million in punitive damages and $822,000 in compensatory damages.
Other Information
Summary judgment and an award of costs were obtained for Outback Pictures, Inc., which was affirmed by the Court of Appeal (Case No. B219559).
Source & publication note
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