Here is an interesting article and something you don’t see every day. A nationally famous restaurateur is sued by a former manager for workplace abuse and sexual harassment. Along with the law suit were allegations of racial discrimination.
Most of the charges were directed at Earl “Bubba: Hiers, Paula Deen’s brother and operator of Uncle Bubba’s Seafood and Oyster House, Inc.
According to the article in the Savannah Morning News…”Deen lawyer Gregory Hodges argued for the gag order, claiming the suit was meant to force a $1.25 million settlement under threat to the Deen brand’s reputation. Jackson alleges that Hiers sexually harassed her regularly and at times left her with a “reasonable fear of bodily injury with apparent ability to inflict such harm.”
The article reported…”In her 13-page answer filed Tuesday, Deen’s lawyers said Jackson’s claims against Paula Deen and Deen defendants were “scurrilous and false claims,” including alleged acts that occurred more than two years prior to the filing of the suit and would be barred by Georgia’s statute of limitations.”
“The suit lists as defendants Paula Deen, Paula Deen Enterprises LLC, The Lady & Sons LLC, the Lady Enterprises Inc., Earl W. “Bubba” Hiers and Uncle Bubba’s Seafood and Oyster House Inc.”
This is a employment related lawsuit that will be interesting to see how it unfolds.