The Source Magazine,
Dave Mays and Ray "Benzino" Scott must pay $14.5 million dollars to
former editor-in-chief Kim Osorio, after a federal jury in New York found she
was fired in retaliation for complaining about sexual harassment and
gender discrimination on the job. Osorio
claims she was subjected to verbal abuse and threats of physical violence while
working at The Source Magazine. Osorio
complained that her leadership was undermined and her complaints of harassment
were ignored by Source executives, who terminated her upon her refusal to repeal
her allegations.The
lawsuit followed her February 2005 dismissal from the self-proclaimed "Hip-Hop
Bible." After
nine days of testimony, jurors spent four hours deliberating before delivering
the verdict yesterday (Oct. 23). In
addition to the sexual harassment/discrimination charges, jurors found Scott guilty
of defaming Osorio in a radio interview."I
feel like I’ve been vindicated," Osorio told the New York Daily News.
"Whether it’s Hip-Hop, rock ‘n’ roll or the post office, there’s still
laws a company needs to abide by."Claims
that Osorio was pressured to take a trip to Atlantic City by Scott were presented
to jurors by her attorneys, who also painted a picture of a workplace filled with
lewd pictures of women, marijuana smoke and obscene language. Contrary
to Osorio’s accusations, Mays, Scott and witnesses testified that missed deadlines,
trysts with various rappers and poor working relationship with the Source’s staff
ultimately led to her dismissal. Lawyers
also accused Osorio of using her claims as leverage towards either protecting
her job or force a financial settlement.Jurors
sided with Osorio’s lawyer Kenneth Thompson, who hailed the ruling as a victory
for women in the workplace. "This
verdict shows that all women must be treated with dignity and respect, no matter
what industry they work in," said Osorio’s lawyer, Kenneth Thompson.Michelle
Joyce, The Source’s former vice president of marketing, also testified during
the trial on behalf of Osorio. She filed a sexual complaint that was ultimately
dismissed on legal ground. Joyce
is currently appealing the decision.
