The Source, Dave Mays, Benzino Ordered To Pay Former EIC $14.5 Million
By Chris Richburg
Date: 10/23/2006 9:00 am
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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.
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lmao @ benzino trying to find 14 million
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