Page Six reports that the incident happened back in 2011, and that Castelgrande, now 32, was fired by Tahari just two hours after she complained to a HR rep within the company.
Castelgrande worked for Elie Tahari for five years, but claims that the work environment was “sexually charged” in her last three months of employment. She is seeking damages of $6 million USD, though some reports set the amount at $12 million USD.
indicates that the work environment “sexually charged” in her final three months of employment. She is seeking damages of $6 million (though other reports set the amount at $12 million).
“Tahari’s recently divorced CEO, Mr. Tahari, unlawfully and inappropriately touched Ms. Castelgrande in the area of her private parts while she was modeling a skirt before a public crowd of at least ten people,” the Manhattan Federal Court lawsuit states.
Image: @Facebook
It is alleged that Tahari, now 52, got angry when she protested. According to the suit, Tahari announced to the entire room, “She needs to leave. I can’t work with her. She is too sensitive. I’ve had lawsuits in the past and cannot deal with another one.”
The lawsuit states that Elie Tahari makes over $500 million USD a year in sales, selling at stores like Saks, Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman.
According to Castelgrande’s LinkedIn, she is now working as a freelance art director in Sydney. She has previously worked at Veronika Maine, DKNY Jeans and Coach.
[Via Page Six]
