Former Nanny Sues Sharon Stone for Wrongful Termination, Harassment

June 14, 2012

Actress Sharon Stone, best known for her roles in "Basic Instinct" and "Casino" is being sued by her former live-in nanny Erlinda T. Elemen for wrongful termination, harassment and failure to prevent harassment. In a complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Elemen alleges Stone terminated her for accepting overtime pay, and repeatedly making comments during the course of her employment that equated being Filipino with being stupid. Elemen also said the actress criticized her accent and told her not to speak in front of Stone's children so they would not talk like her. The complaint also details Stone's criticism of Elemen's religious beliefs and alleges that Stone even forbade her from reading the Bible in Stone's home even though Elemen lived there.

State and federal law prohibits employers from discriminating (or taking action) against employees on the basis of their nationality, national origin or religious beliefs. They reinforce the right to work in conditions where employees are not subjected to racial or religious epithets. The law also prohibits employers from making harassing statements towards employees and extends a duty to prevent such harassment in the workplace.

Also, state law requires employers to pay hourly employees overtime when they exceed eight hours in a working day or 40 hours in a week.

Elemen's attorney explained to the Los Angeles Times that his client had "wonderful memories of the children" in the five years she was employed by Stone, but was not able to deal with her "increasingly hostile and abusive behavior". The suit seeks unspecified damages.

Stone's publicist released a statement saying that Elemen was merely a disgruntled former employee who was "obviously looking for another opportunity to cash in" after she previously sought disability and workers' compensation payments. He also stated that "this is a frivolous lawsuit for absurd claims that are made-up and fabricated."

Aside from the public statements, it is not uncommon for employees of celebrities and other high profile employers to be mistreated. Even if you don't work for a movie star, reporting workplace harassment should not be discouraged. In fact, it is a protected right. If you believe that your rights are being violated, an experienced employment law attorney can advise you.

Article provided by Law Offices of Rheuban & Gresen
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