The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) helps victims of sexual harassment in the workplace hold their abusers and the culpable employers. They represent victims currently and formerly employed by an organization responsible for the hostile work environment.
The EEOC created several laws making it illegal to harass an employee. This includes inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature.
This illegal activity may involve…
Unwelcome sexual advances
Requests for sexual favors
Verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature
When it comes time to file a lawsuit for sexual harassment allegations, the federal government gives victims 180 days to file a charge since the last incident. The time limit may be longer depending on individual state laws. If the victim is a federal employee, they have 45 days to contact an EEO Counselor.
With this said, trials and investigations can take years until there’s a verdict. If a jury comes back with a guilty verdict, they may award the victim monetary compensation. Sexual harassment lawsuits and their payouts aren’t uncommon, but some of the awards are outliers because they are so large.
Below are some of the biggest sexual harassment lawsuit payouts since the 1990s.
Table of Contents
USA Gymnastics vs. Larry Nassar
(2018)
For years, Larry Nassar worked at USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. During that time, Nassar worked as the lead team doctor for the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team. Nassar admitted he abused multiple women and girls in the world of gymnastics.
Athletes like Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney came forward with claims of sexual abuse at the hands of Nassar.
In 2018, there was a high-profile trial where many victims gave emotional testaments in court. In the trial regarding the Olympic team, Nassar received a sentence of 40 to 175 in prison. The USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee agreed to pay a $380 million settlement to the hundreds of athletes abused by Nassar.
The settlement also includes a series of reforms at both the USA Gymnastics and The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. USA Gymnastics is now required to have at least one survivor of Nassar’s sexual abuse on its board of directors. With the help of this representative, the committee will restore the justice process for victims, among other provisions.
The first gymnast to file a criminal complaint against Nassar in 2016, Rachael Denhollander, praised the agreement.
A month later, Nassar received a second sentence of 40 to 125 years in prison when he pleaded guilty to molesting gymnasts at a Michigan training facility. This is in addition to his previous conviction on federal child pornography charges, giving him a 60-year sentence.
Lucy Chi et. al. vs. UCS
(2018)
Dr. George Tyndall, a gynecological doctor in the student health clinic at USC, sexually assaulted students seeking medical care. In fact, Tyndall was the sole full-time gynecologist at the campus clinic. This means that he saw the majority of students seeking care through campus from 1989 to 2016.
Furthermore, USC faced multiple lawsuits when the public learned that USC kept Tyndall staff despite complaints.
Reports alleged that he…
Made suggestive remarks about patients’ bodies
Asked invasive questions about patients’ sexual histories
Targeted Asian women for his sexual gratification
Touched the patients in an inappropriate, sexually-suggestive manner
Took unnecessary photos during exams
Tyndall denied all wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to sex crime charges.
In total, USC had to pay $1.1 billion in settlements to roughly 17,000 former patients of Tyndall. This is the largest sex-abuse payout from an education institution in history. This case is different compared to cases against other universities because the settlement included every female patient seen by Tendall.
Plaintiff Lucy Chi, a 2014 alumna abused by Tyndall, reached a settlement expected total $1.2 million. Chi switched lawyers when she became aware that she was the only plaintiff named in the initial-class action lawsuit. She believes that the original lawsuit undervalued the women’s trauma.
However, another alumni received an award of less than $200,000. The difference in compensation comes from a choice between a class action settlement promoted by USC and several law firms or taking individual lawsuits in the state Superior Court. The class action settlement only gave out awards up to $250,000, depending on an individual's willingness to share their experience and an assessment of injuries.
USC is still investigating Tyndall and his crimes, including several medical malpractice claims.
Gretchen Carlson vs. Roger Ailes
(2016)
Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox News broadcaster, sued her former boss, ex-CEO Roger Ailes, for sexual harassment.
The lawsuit alleges that Carlson’s contract was not renewed after she “refused to sleep” with Ailes. The suit also states that Carlson endured severe and pervasive sexual harassment. This includes demotion and eventual termination from the company. Ailes denied all allegations.
Twenty-First Century Fox (the parent company of Fox News) investigated the situation and forced Ailes to leave the company in late July.
Although 21st Century Fox was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, the company dealt with the settlement. This is because, under Delaware law, 21st Century Fox is responsible for any damages in the case.
This means that 21st Century Fox agreed to pay $20 million to Carlson as per the settlement of the sexual harassment lawsuit. Officials call the settlement unprecedented in size for an individual sexual-harassment case.
That said, part of the language at the end of the settlement agreement made sure that Carlson agreed to not bring any further legal action against other executives at Fox News. Carlson also cannot sue the company itself according to the settlement.
The company also publicly praised Carlson’s work at the company while apologizing for the abuse that took place. Lawyers interpret these public statements as admissions of liability.
Several other claims from non-Fox employees allege they also endured sexual harassment from Ailes. At least 20 other women came forward anonymously alleging that Ailes harassed them too at Fox News. These claims date back to the 1970s and 1980s. This means that these allegations predate Ailes’ founding of Fox News.
Ani Chopourian vs. Catholic Healthcare
(2012)
Ani Chopourian filed a lawsuit against her former employer, alleging severe sexual harassment. She repeatedly filed complaints to Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento regarding the sexual abuse. After filing complaints with the hospital’s HR department, the hospital terminated her employment.
The suit alleges that Chopoiran endured…
Filthy conversations among physicians and staff about their sex lives
Unwanted sexual advances and touching
Inappropriate and demeaning comments
This included frequent comments alluding to her Armenian heritage
For example, one surgeon struck her with a needle, called Chopouian a “stupid chick”, and said she performed surgery “like a girl”. The same perpetrator referred to patients in a demeaning way.
Employees confirmed that another surgeon greeted coworkers with inappropriate sexual comments and often detailed his frustrations about intimacy while at work. Other male employees, like medical staff and nursing assistants, took the verbal sexual abuse to another level by touching female employees inappropriately.
From 2006 to 2008, Chopourian filed roughly 18 written complaints concerning patient safety, sexual harassment, and the staff’s failure to file meal and break rules. She filed the last complaint on July 31, 2008. Her termination took place on August 7, 2008.
After an 11-day trial and two days of deliberations, a jury handed down its judgment. A federal judge awarded Chopourian $125 million in punitive damages. They also awarded her $39 million for mental anguish and $3.5 million for lost wages and benefits.
The jurors believe that the Mercy General Hospital and its parent company, Catholic Healthcare West, are liable for the alleged harassment.
Many believe the nearly $168 million award is the largest monetary settlement for a single victim of workplace harassment in U.S. history.
The hospital stated they felt disappointed by the jury's decision. The hospital mentioned its commitment to providing employees with a safe working environment, free from sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. Strong policies and practices to protect the hospital's employees backed this commitment. Mercy Hospital said publicly that they stood by the actions they took in ending their relationship with Chopourian.
Ashey Alford vs. Aaron's Rents, Inc.
(2011)
Aaron’s Rents is a huge furniture rental chain with locations across the country. Ashley Alford started working for the company as a customer service representative in 2005. Allegedly, the male employees at the same store engaged in a “campaign” to harass Alford.
While employed, Richard Moore, the store’s general manager, nicknamed Alford “Trixie”. He allegedly called her “cute”, talked about the size of her chest, and made other inappropriate comments. He went as far as groping her.
In 2006, things escalated when Moore approached Alford from behind while she sat on the floor. Moore proceeded to hit her on the head with his genitalia. A month later, Moore allegedly pushed Alford down on a sofa in a back room and sexually abused her while restraining her.
Alford claims she called the company’s sexual harassment hotline to leave a message. She claims it went unreturned. Her mother called the hotline too only for her messages to also go unreturned.
In the meantime, Alford’s Inc. didn’t order Moore to leave Ashley alone. Instead, the district manager tipped off Moore that Alford left multiple messages on the “confidential” complaint line. The next time Alford walked into work, Moore locked Alford in his office, grabbed her by the neck, and threatened her to keep quiet.
After more harassment and abuse, Alford called the police. They arrested Moore. Only then did the company suspend the store manager.
In 2008, three years after the harassment and abuse started, Alford filed a lawsuit.
A federal jury in Illinois deliberated for three days before concluding that Alford should receive $95 million for all she endured.
The breakdown was as follows…
$1.5 million against Moore
$9.5 million against Aaron Rent’s Inc. for "negligent supervision" of Moore
$4 million for federal Title VII violations
$30 million in punitive damages for negligent supervision
$50 million in punitive damages under Title VII
The company stated publicly that Morre’s alleged acts went against everything the company believes in and stands for.
Carla Ingraham vs. UBS Financial Services
(2011)
Cara Ingraham worked at a UBS bank in Kansas City for 22 years as a client service associate. She sued the company in 2009 soon after UBS fired her. She claimed that the company did this in retaliation after she filed discrimination charges against First Vice President Jay DeGoler at the end of 2008.
The lawsuit alleges that she experienced…
Sexual bandter from Degoler
Orders to perform sexual favors upon a client
Late-night phone calls to her home
UBS denied all of Ingrahm’s charges.
After four weeks of trial, the jury awarded $10 million in punitive damages on top of $350,000 in actual damages and $424,000 in back pay. The judge decreased the punitive damages to just more than $7 million.
Additionally, the judge also ordered UBS to pay…
Attorney’s fees of $666,401
Litigation costs of $102,439
Front pay of $45,816, equal to one year’s pay
This is to compensate Ingraham for the time needed to find a new job
Anucha Browne Sanders vs. Madison Square Garden et. al.
(2007)
Anucha Browne Sanders worked as the VP of Marketing and Business Operations for the Knicks. During her time working for the NBA team, she allegedly endured sexual harassment from both of her bosses.
According to the lawsuit, Browne Sanders’ boss, coach Isiah Thomas, tried to kiss her repeatedly. She made it clear that she was uncomfortable when Thomas told her that he was in love with her and attracted to her. The harassment from Thomas increased as he repeatedly called Browne Sanders sexist names.
The suit also alleged that the Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury used sexist and racist terms when referring to Browne Sanders. The trial showed how Marbury had sex with an intern outside a strip club.
The jury also watched videotaped remarks from Thomas about him using sexist terms towards female coworkers. At some point, the team let Browne Sanders go after she filed harassment complaints. Both Thomas, and the parent company Madison Square Garden LB (MSG), stated they did nothing wrong and weren’t liable.
A federal jury decided that MSG, and its chairman James Dolan, had to pay $11.6 million for damages. The jury said the company owed $6 million for allowing the hostile work environment to take palace and $2.6 million for retaliation.
The judge did not order Thomas to pay any damages.
By the end of the trial, MSG agreed to pay Browne Sanders $11.5 million to settle the charges. This settlement prevents Browne Sanders from seeking an additional $9.6 million in compensatory damages and millions more in attorneys’ fees.
Heidi Lynch et. al. vs. Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego
(2007)
Heidi Lynch and 143 other adults filed a lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego. All of these plaintiffs were sexually assaulted by a priest. In one case, a layman assaulted some altar boys while supervising them.
The religious institution agreed to pay $196.1 million to settle the suit. After the legal fees, the average payout per victim was $825,000.
These damages led the diocese to file for bankruptcy. By the end of the proceedings, insurance paid $76,000. The Diocese of San Bernardino, which played a part in the organization taken to court, contributed almost $15 million.
In the meantime, The Diocese of San Diego paid the remaining $107 million by selling properties and tapping into its bank accounts.
Rena Weeks vs. Baker & McKenzie
(1994)
Rena Weeks worked for Baker & McKenzie for less than three months in the Palo Alto office during the summer of 1991. She made allegations that her boss, Martin Greenstein, harassed her repeatedly. He allegedly lunged at her chest, grabbed her hips, and poured M&M’s into her shirt pocket.
The jury heard the testimony of Weeks, Greenstein, and the testimonies of eight other women who made complaints to the company about harassment. At the end of the trial, the jury decided that the law firm knew about Greenstein’s sexual harassment streak and that the company did nothing about it.
The judge awarded Weeks $3.5 million in punitive damages. She also received $225,000 in punitive damages against Greenstein and $50,000 against both Greenstein and Baker & McKenzie for emotional damages. The court also awarded Weeks $1.85 million in attorney fees and expenses.
The law firm tried to appeal the decision, saying that they shouldn’t have to face punitive fines because they didn’t commit fraud or malice. The appeals court dismissed this, saying that there was no doubt the law firm knew about Greenstein’s sexual harassment, especially since the other eight women also made complaints.
Neal vs. D.C. Department of Corrections
(1994)
A total of 138 employees, formerly or actively employed by the D.C. Department of Corrections, filed a lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit alleges there was pervasive sexual harassment for years despite complaints.
The lawsuit also alleges that the company retaliated against the employees who spoke out against the harassment instead of punishing the harassers.
The sexual harassers took many actions, such as…
Coerced sexual relationships ending in unintended pregnancies
Sexual assault
Unwanted grabbing, rubbing, and other sexual touching
A constant stream of sexually suggestive and sometimes abusive comments
The judge ordered the District to pay $6.5 million to the employees allegedly harassed in the lawsuit. Another $2 million from the District would pay for attorney fees. Additionally, eight named plaintiffs would divide a total of $1.6 million between each other. Other money went into a pool for other damage claims.
The total settlement called for the District to set aside $8 million in an escrow account in 1997. In two years, the account generated interest, bringing the total amount to $8.5 million by the beginning of 2000.
Conclusion
There is a fine line between causal workplace antics and illegal sexual harassment. The problem is that many people don’t realize that their behavior crossed the line into the world of harassment.
35% of workers report that they don’t know what behavior can turn a fun workplace into a hostile work environment. 32% of the workforce report that they were unaware that some jokes qualify as sexual harassment.
As they say, “ignorance is bliss” but in this case, ignorance can lead to a sexual harassment lawsuit. 81% of women and 43% of men experience sexual harassment or assault at some point in their life. This means that over half the population could take someone or an employer to court for this illegal behavior.
The most disheartening aspect of the largest sexual harassment lawsuit payouts that we covered is that they didn’t have to happen.
Employers need to stop situations of sexual harassment before they become a problem.
The best way to make sure you, your coworkers, and your employer doesn’t make it on the biggest sexual harassment lawsuit payout list above is to limit how often sexual harassment occurs. By taking steps to remove abusers from the workplace, organizations like yours may face fewer sexual harassment lawsuits from the EEOC or the lawyers of the victims.
