Carlsbad Beach Club Settles Wrongful Termination/Sexual Harassment Claim for $4 Million

Employment Law

Sarah Freeman v. Bitchin Beach Club LLC, et al. (San Diego Super Ct. No. 37-2022-00033240-CU-WT-NC): On November 27, 2024 Defendant Bitchin Beach Club agreed to the terms of a $4 million settlement to resolve a wrongful termination and sexual harassment claim brought about by plaintiff Sarah Freeman. Plaintiff, an employee hired to work as a recreational program lead for the beach club, originally reported to her employer that her supervisor was sexually harassing her, and also reported that she was misclassified, denied meal breaks and other wage and hour issues. Her complaint regarding her supervisor’s conduct was apparently relayed to the supervisor at the time who became angry with her, and the abuse allegedly continued to occur. A co-worker of plaintiff eventually reported the supervisor’s conduct to management, who in turn terminated the supervisor. Upon the supervisor’s termination, he claimed that the plaintiff was the one who was sexually harassing him. Plaintiff’s employer decided to fire her at that time. Plaintiff filed suit, alleging retaliation, wrongful termination, misclassification, wage and hour claims and sexual harassment. Defendant denied all contentions at trial, which ultimately concluded with a verdict in favor of plaintiff. The parties agreed to waive punitive damages and settle thereafter for $4 million.