Lisa Vanderpump has been ordered to pay $100,000 to Karen Bustillos, a former waitress at the star’s Villa Blanca restaurant, who filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the venue.
Looks like Lisa Vanderpump will be dropping some big bucks as the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills starlet has been ordered to pay $100,000 to Karen Bustillos, a former waitress at the star’s Villa Blanca restaurant, who filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the venue.
Bustillos’ case derives from claims that she was “manhandled” by restaurant manager, Michael Govia. In addition to making sexual advances, it’s reported that Govia called Bustillos foul names and even made attempts to kiss her. Bustillos alleges that she told the restaurant about his conduct and they failed to take any disciplinary action. It’s been confirmed that the jury is holding Villa Blanca at fault for the incident and is compensating the former employee for damages as a result of the claimed harassment.
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As expected, Vanderpump and her attorney are not too happy about the verdict and have plans to file an appeal. In a statement to TMZ, her attorney admitted that they are “in absolute shock” at the amount of punitive damages that were awarded. “Especially in light of nominal compensatory damages awarded and the lack of sufficient evidence. We plan to immediately file an appeal and are confident that we will prevail,” they said.
It’s a twist to the story that surely works in Bustillos’ favor. Just last week, jurors awarded the former waitress $6,000 after hearing her testimony about Govia. Vanderpump thought the story had come to an end, taking to her Twitter account to rejoice in the ruling. Unfortunately, this latest order to cough up $100,000 makes her celebration look a bit too premature. Not so fast, Vanderpump!
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Victory! It was principal,manager of vb vindicated by the jury unanimously on all charges,been a tough ten days at trial.#truthprevailed
— Lisa Vanderpump (@LisaVanderpump) June 12, 2014
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