So the fund is now fighting 160 sexual harassment cases in court on their behalf. The fund has received 4,000 complaints to date, Tejani says, but many people such as paramedics, housekeepers and waitresses simply don't make enough for a lawyer to take their case. In most instances, money is a big barrier to suing, says Sharyn Tejani, director of the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund, which was created to support people bringing #MeToo cases.
"If someone is courageous enough to come forward, you have to make sure that when they come forward, something happens," she says. Another problem is that about half of complaints aren't even investigated by their employers, says HR Acuity CEO Deb Muller. Nearly half of employees fear retaliation if they report illegal or unethical behavior at work, according to a recent survey by HR Acuity, a company that helps track internal investigations. Plus, many more people never come forward. Details of investigations often remain under wraps because of settlements and confidentiality agreements. There isn't much data about the outcome of #MeToo complaints, for a number of reasons. "From a spiritual standpoint, I believe in miracles," she says. In court documents, Almeida counters that it was not a kickback, but an entirely unrelated contract with another firm.ĭespite the high personal toll, Almeida says it hasn't changed her mind about speaking out. In Olympusat's suit, the company, which among other things produces religious Christian content, says Almeida was fired for taking kickbacks. Olympuset also said that the company sued Almeida before she filed her lawsuit. Olympusat and Tom Mohler, the CEO, declined an interview but disputed Almeida's allegations in an emailed statement, calling them "inaccurate and unfounded." Now, Almeida and Olympusat are tangled in lawsuits. Speaking haltingly through tears, she says: "I'd like to retire from the business. Clients are reluctant to hire her, for fear of getting involved. She says bringing her case has devastated her career and finances. On the other, speaking out often takes a great personal toll - emotional and financial.
On one hand, there's relief and solidarity found in talking openly. That fomented policy changes at many workplaces, and among some state and local lawmakers.īut what became of the women who spoke out? It's been two years since people started posting their sexual harassment and assault experiences online, with the hashtag #MeToo.
You become a different person," she says of life since. After weighing those risks, in June, she filed a lawsuit, detailing her claims of sexual harassment and retaliation. But she also weighed the fact that she is a one-woman contractor facing against a powerful executive. #MeToo bolstered Almeida's confidence it made her aware of a large coterie of women like her. The number of sexual harassment claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission spiked nearly 14% last year. Then came the #MeToo movement, with its global groundswell of cases like Almeida's rippling through Hollywood, newsrooms, tech companies and politics. Dina Lee Almeida says bringing forward her sexual harassment case has devastated her career and finances.
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