Bosses at Disney and CBS have been slapped with a lawsuit by California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing for allegedly allowing cinematographer to grope crew member.
- May 28, 2020
AceShowbiz - State of California officials are suing Disney and CBS bosses over a cinematographer on TV show "Criminal Minds", who was allegedly allowed to grope male crew members by employers who condoned his conduct.
According to a lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 by California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), Gregory St. Johns is accused of touching multiple men and retaliating against those who spurned his advances.
The creative was fired from the show, starring Mandy Patinkin, Joe Mantegna, and Jennifer Love Hewitt, in 2018 after crew members' complaints became public but, according to Deadline, he had engaged in a pattern of "sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation" for 14 years.
He is accused of touching, kissing, and caressing "numerous men," and it is alleged that his employers had "actual and constructive knowledge" of St. Johns' "abusive" conduct - yet allowed it to continue "unchecked."
"No necessary steps to prevent sex-based harassment and discrimination were taken over the years, nor were appropriate corrective actions," the lawsuit continues.
"Instead, the executives fired anyone who resisted or who tacitly evaded St. Johns' advances or abuse."
The legal case says more than a dozen men were fired at St. Johns' request. DFEH officials are seeking damages for St. John's victims.
Representatives from CBS and Disney have yet to comment on the lawsuit. St. Johns has also not addressed the allegations.
