While it is common for male employees in Texas and elsewhere to be subjected to sexual harassment because they are gay or transgender, experts say it is relatively rare for male workers to be sexually harassed by female co-workers or supervisors. However, a male former Disney Cruise Line employee has filed a lawsuit claiming that he experienced sexual and age-based harassment while working at the company.
According to the lawsuit, the man worked as a labor analyst at Disney for nearly two decades. However, it alleges that a younger female supervisor created a hostile work environment for him during his last few years with the company. For example, the suit alleges that the supervisor tried to embarrass the plaintiff by detailing sexual experiences she had with various partners, including experiences she had in “sex rooms” on Disney ships. The claim further alleges that all senior managers and executives in the plaintiff’s division were women.
The lawsuit also claims that the supervisor discriminated against the plaintiff, who was over 40, because of his age. For instance, the supervisor is accused of calling him a “stuffy old fart” in front of other employees, refusing to provide him with an iPhone like she did for younger employees and passing him over for promotions he was qualified for in favor of younger workers. The complaint further claims that he was fired in retaliation for reporting these incidents to the company. He was replaced by a younger employee.
Employees facing workplace discrimination could turn to an employment attorney for assistance. The attorney could evaluate the situation and explain all legal remedies available. One solution could be to file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Source: Sun Herald, “Male Disney Cruise worker claims harassment by female boss,” Michael Schneider, Associated Press, Dec. 27, 2018