LVMH Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton (LVMH) and its ex-Vice President of Legal Affairs, Andowah Newton, are now in federal court due to an ongoing legal dispute, per The Fashion Law. Newton has filed a new complaint, accusing the luxury goods company of sexual harassment, assault, and creating a hostile work environment that led to her termination. If you’re unaware, Newton previously filed a suit against the company back in April 2019 in New York State.

In her 79-page complaint, Newton details the sexual harassment and assault she experienced from Lloyd Doran, LVMH’s Director of Property and Facility Operations. Despite reporting the incidents, her pleas for help were ignored until she sent an email to Doran as instructed by LVMH’s employment counsel. However, this led to immediate retaliation from LVMH after Doran reported her to his supervisor by

“forwarding the email to his [boss].”

Newton claims that LVMH attempted to intimidate her and downplay the harassment she faced, blaming it on the company’s French culture. She filed a complaint with LVMH’s HR, requesting an external investigation. However, she believes the investigation was limited and aimed at silencing her. As a result, she had no choice but to file a lawsuit in April 2019.

After LVMH succeeded in compelling arbitration, Newton accused them of violating the “New York State and City Human Rights Laws” through sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation. Newton argues that LVMH intensified the hostile work environment in retaliation to her lawsuit. The CEO’s email to staff members, branding Newton as a liar, contributed to her exclusion from her team.

Newton alleges that her coworkers and LVMH’s General Counsel, Louise Firestone, persistently retaliated against her, causing a continuous hostile work environment. This included denying her remote work accommodation for PTSD, giving her a negative performance review despite prior positive ones, reducing her compensation increase, excluding her from work events, and intentionally tarnishing her reputation in the press.

Newton claims that LVMH created a hostile work environment after she testified in support of a federal law banning forced arbitration for survivors of sexual assault and harassment. She states that LVMH fired her in a humiliating manner to pressure her into quitting, despite knowing it would be unlawful.

Newton alleges that the sexual harassment and retaliation she faced at LVMH caused severe distress, anxiety, and PTSD. She also claims to have developed additional medical conditions due to the hostile work environment. Newton is seeking monetary damages for lost wages, benefits, and emotional injury caused by the defendant’s unlawful conduct.

With the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act (EFASASHA) in effect, Newton’s case may have a different outcome. The law allows victims of sexual assault and harassment to pursue claims in court, even if they have an arbitration agreement. LVMH denies Newton’s claims and states that her exit was part of a department restructuring.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?