Plaza Hotel Chef Thrown in Trash by her Boss
A former Oak Room pastry chef at New York's Plaza Hotel has filed a $25 million lawsuit against former Executive Chef Eric Hara, claiming that, as her boss, he subjected her to sexual and physical harassment for the year she was on the job.
There were a lot of strange allegations, including Melissa Rodriguez accusing Hara of throwing her in the trash, and dumping cream, chocolate sauce, and honey in her hair on a near-daily basis.
Granted, chefs are notorious for their less-than-accommodating demeanor and attitude in the kitchen. Still, Eric Hara's behavior toward his employee turns out to be true, then he, and the Plaza, are likely liable for at least some of the requested damages.
In addition to repeatedly throwing the Oak Room pastry chef in the trash, the New York Post reports that Rodriguez alleges that Hara nicknamed her "whore," made comments about sleeping with her, and threatened to ruin her career if she quit.
This behavior appears to be in direct violation of workplace discrimination laws against sexual harassment and discrimination. It also amounts to battery and assault.
It's unclear whether the lawsuit also names the Plaza as a defendant, but it's important to note that an employer may be held responsible for this type of harassment if it fails to remedy the situation once a complaint has been made.
Melissa Rodriguez claims that she complained to management, the Post reports. But despite promising a new boss, she still remained the Oak Room pastry chef, working under and providing desserts for Eric Hara.
Related Resources:
- Pastry Chef Sues Ex-Boss For Tossing Her In The Garbage, Putting Food In Her Hair And More (Huffington Post)
- Employee Rights: Sexual Harassment (FindLaw)
- Chef Mario Batali Sued in Wage Dispute (FindLaw's Law & Daily Life)
