In a prior post, we wrote about whether sexual harassment in the workplace was becoming the “new normal.” Essentially, we questioned whether the harassment of women will continue as long as men do not believe they will get caught, and victims believe that their careers will be compromised if they speak out against such abuse.
The situation involving Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is yet the latest example of men in powerful positions harassing female employees for what appears to be decades without consequence. A recent nytimes.com report revealed that Weinstein reached at least eight settlements with women over sexual harassment allegations.
These stories have recently come to a head, resulting in the board of directors of the Weinstein Company voting to fire him. Besides the legal settlements, it is reported that dozens of former employees, from assistants to top executives allegedly knew of Weinstein’s inappropriate behavior, and arguably condoned it by not taking action against him sooner.
It remains to be seen whether additional information will be revealed showing that other executives knew and did not take action.
Ultimately, the latest Weinstein episode shows that the more things change, the more they stay the same; meaning that sexual harassment in the workplace is just as prominent (and troubling) as it has ever been. If you feel that you have been harassed or discriminated against because of your sex, an experienced employment law attorney can advise you of your rights and options.
The preceding is provided for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.