Hey HR Compliance Warriors!
This is really one for the Idiot Book. Famous international yoga guru Bikram Choudhury and his yoga college must pay at least $924,000 in damages for sexually harassing his former legal adviser and wrongfully firing her for investigating sexual discrimination and assault claims against him, a California jury concluded Monday. Really?? C’MON Man! Read on…
Amy Poehler and Seth Myer from SNL
After less than two days of deliberation following last week’s closing arguments, the nine-woman, three-man jury found in favor of Choudhury’s former legal adviser, Minakshi Jafa-Bodden, on her claims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, awarding her $924,000 in compensatory damages.
OK, let’s break this down. This loser is an international yoga guru with 720 yoga schools in 220 countries. He pioneered the very popular Hot Yoga you see in most cities around the world. He harassed his ATTORNEY.
REALLY??
Yes. He even told CNN allegations that he sexually assaulted six of his students are ridiculous because he can get any woman he wants. His actual words were, “Women likes me. Women loves me, … So if I really wanted to involve the women, I don’t have to assault the women.” He went on to say, “Twenty-four hours a day, I work harder than any human being in this Earth . . . and this is my reward? I’m a rapist? Shame [on] your Western culture.” Choudhury is also accused of sexual harassment and/or assault of SIX other women.
OMG!
Bottom line:
Don’t be a DB ( pardon my French). Sexual harassment is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! And, only the most arrogant ridiculous idiot would harass his ATTORNEY. But, if you do find yourself harassing your attorney and s/he tells you to stop because it’s illegal….TRUST THAT ADVICE. Because s/he is an ATTORNEY!!!
(dropping the mic and walking away)
Until Next Time, Be Audit-Secure!
Lisa Smith
