Sharrie Hartley v. Global World Media Corporation; Sean Shayan and Sinai Shayan
Published: May 9, 1998 | Result Date: Mar. 4, 1998 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC163566 Bench Verdict – $47,000
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Facts
On May 24, 1996, plaintiff Sharrie Harley, a 27-year-old woman, commenced employment at defendant Global World Media Corporation as a sales representative at an outdoor sales facility at an hourly rate of pay of $6.00 per hour with 25 percent commission. On her first day of work, she was asked by her supervisor, defendant Sinai Shayan, defendant Sean Shayan's brother, to go to Palm Springs for business purposes. During that trip, defendant Sinai Shayan allegedly engaged in continuous sexual harassment of the plaintiff, including but not limited to, asking the plaintiff deeply personal questions about her life, describing intimate details about his sex life, refusing to leave the plaintiff's hotel room and sleeping in the bed next to the plaintiff over her objection, demanding hugs from the plaintiff, and unwelcome and offensive touching of the plaintiff on the arms, neck, legs, back, shoulders, hands and face. Upon her return from Palm Springs, the plaintiff reported the sexual harassment by defendant Sinai Shayan to her direct supervisor, Norris Preston. Preston assured the plaintiff that he would speak to defendant Sinai Shayan and correct the situation so that she would not come into contact with him again. Soon thereafter, the plaintiff was demoted. The plaintiff then also allegedly began to be sexually harassed by defendant Sean Shayan, including but not limited to, asking the plaintiff deeply personal questions about her life, unwelcome and offensive touching of the plaintiff on the arms, neck, legs, back, shoulders, hands and face, frequently commenting on the plaintiff's appearance, saying she looked "hot" or pretty, whistling lewdly at the plaintiff, leering at her breasts and attempting to look down her blouse, and inviting the plaintiff to go to nightclubs with him. On Sept. 14, 1996, defendant Sean Shayan insisted that the plaintiff go with him to a nightclub that evening. The plaintiff alleged that in retaliation for her refusal to go on a date with him, defendant Shayan began to deny the plaintiff job benefits and privileges she had previously received and was entitled to, and terminated her employment. Allegedly, when the plaintiff asked why she was being terminated, Preston said, "Sean had his reasons." At all times herein mentioned, there was no established procedure or policy dealing with sexual harassment grievances or complaints at defendant Global World. No written sexual harassment material had been distributed to employees. The defendants denied any wrongdoing. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendants based on wrongful termination and sexual harassment theories of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $25,000. The defendants made no settlement offers.
Specials in Evidence
$12,000
Injuries
The plaintiff alleged emotional distress.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately one year and two months after the case was filed. Plaintiff's motion for attorney's fees in the amount of $64,813.50 is pending.
Length
three days (BENCH TRIAL)
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