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View Full Version : Sexual Harassment ? CA


gunslng44
07-06-2005, 09:19 AM
The basics:

My wife was in a consensual relationship w/her boss, who had the title of President at the company they worked for. When she tried to end the relationship w/him, he refused to allow it to end. Eventually, their relationship was discovered, and they were both fired. (BTW, I would assume he still has some dealings w/the company, as he was monetarily invested in some of the development projects.)

In her exit interview w/the owner of the company, the owner told my wife that the President had admitted that my wife had tried to end the relationship, but he wouldn't "let it go". The owner also hinted to my wife that "your husband has rights, too". I don't know why he would admit to that, but he did.

In my ongoing research, I have read that not only does the victim of SH have rights, but also those who were indirectly affected. Also, the fact that he was the President of the company means the company cannot absolve itself of his actions.

Do I have options here?

Beth3
07-06-2005, 09:34 AM
In my ongoing research, I have read that not only does the victim of SH have rights, but also those who were indirectly affected. In terms of the employment laws that prohibit sex discrimination/harassment, you (as the spouse) have nothing to do with this. You are not a party to your wife's employment relationship. Only your wife and her employer are.

Also, the fact that he was the President of the company means the company cannot absolve itself of his actions. True but whether the company has any liability depends on a whole lot of details not provided here. Your wife and the CEO had a consensual affair. That didn't break any laws even though it was completely inappropriate. Whether any laws were broken when your wife tried to end the affair and he wouldn't depends on what happened when that took place. For example, did he threaten to fire your wife or demote her if she refused to continue to engage in intimate relations?

The company did fire the CEO (and your wife) when they discovered what was going on which in all likelihood gets them off the legal hook.

If you're looking for a way for YOU to sue the employer because of your wife's relationship with the CEO, I'm not aware of any legal basis you have to do so.

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