Facts

In 2005, Lisa Jackson began working as a hostess for Uncle Bubba's Seafood and Oyster House Inc., a restaurant owned by Paula Deen. In less than a year, she was promoted to General Manager until August 2010, when her employment with the company ended. She filed a lawsuit against Deen, Paula Deen Enterprises LLC, The Lady & Sons LLC, The Lady Enterprises Inc., Uncle Bubba's Seafood and Oyster House Inc., and Earl Heirs. She alleged several claims for sexual harassment and discrimination, racial harassment and discrimination, and abuse. Defendants denied her allegations and filed a motion to dismiss.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that for a five-year period, defendant Heirs subjected her to repeated "sexual harassment and discrimination, racial harassment and discrimination, and abusive treatment. She also contended that she was paid less than her male counterparts. Moreover, that defendant Heirs subjected her to sexual harassment on an almost daily basis. Heirs allegedly viewed pornography at work, and even requested that they view it together. Heirs made misogynistic sexual jokes, commented on her weight, and also made racist jokes. Heirs allegedly only permitted African-American staff to enter the restaurant's rear entrance and prohibited African-Americans from using the customer restroom, which were made available to white employees. Moreover, despite making frequent complaints to corporate management, they did not take any action to remedy the repeated misconduct.

Result

U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr. granted defendants' motion to dismiss in part. In particular, Judge Moore dismissed Jackson's civil rights claims, and racial discrimination claim. On Aug. 23, 2013, the parties agreed to settle Jackson's other claims confidentially.