American Apparel Founder Sued For $250 Million

Dov Charney, the founder and owner of American Apparel, is being sued by a former sales associated named Irene Morales. Many clothing retailers are sued by ex-employees all the time, however, in this case, American Apparel is accused of fostering an environment that encouraged sexual harassment and misconduct. Irene Morales was under the age of 18 when she first began to work at an American Apparel store in New York City, and she alleges that Charney went to great lengths to arrange an inappropriate rendezvous at his home. Because Morales immigrated to the United States, her lawyers claim a language barrier prevented her from understanding Charney's suggestive tones.

Other women have made similar allegations against Dov Charney, and the company originally responded to the accusations by referring the media to a sign contract that indicated that former employees waived their rights to suing American Apparel. The fact that American Apparel did not immediately deny the allegations is both bizarre and telling. Another former employee, Kimbra Lo, filed suit against the company last week.

Although attorneys for American Apparel are now fighting the charges, Dov Charney has previously been named as the defendant in sexual harassment lawsuits. In a sworn deposition, Charney admitted to exposing himself to employees and used defamatory language to describe to female staff. Because Charney has a history of inappropriate behavior on record, it will be difficult for his lawyers to have the lawsuits dismissed. In total, five young women who formerly worked for American Apparel are suing the company.

22.04.2011. 10:06