A former show model will be paid $7.7 million for damages after she was terminated by producers after seven years on the show. She claimed that she was discriminated against and ultimately terminated hue to her pregnancy. Moreover, when she attempted to return to production after maternity leave, she was rejected.
The woman, aged 41, was attempting to become pregnant for a year before she conceived her twins, but the producers were not excited for her, allegedly referring to her as "wide load," and saying that with her baby weight, the stage would be unable to support her. When her baby bump began to show, the producers stopped calling her altogether. She pursued them for four months to get in contact about working, but received no word.
A jury awarded her $7.7 million in punitive damages, but the production company does plan to appeal, claiming that the fact that 40 percent of their models have been pregnant was not considered "important evidence" in their defense. Nonetheless, the experience of this woman did lead to her termination from the show, as well as emotional damage due to the name-calling and all-around unprofessional behavior.
People who are discriminated against in the workplace for pregnancy, family leave or other factors may not know where to turn for legal advice. Speaking with an experienced employment law attorney can present options for these situations, and help to discover if suing for wrongful termination may be a responsible course of action. Deciding to come forward about discrimination or wrongful termination can be a difficult choice, but can help to prevent others from facing the same damaging difficulties.
Source: ABCNews, "Former 'Price is Right' Model Awarded $7.7M in Termination Suit," Jennifer Abbey, Nov. 22, 2012
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