EMPLOYMENT LAW: Former NY Lawmaker’s Male Aide Formally Files Sexual Harassment Complaint

April 13, 2010

Washington – A male aide has formally filed a sexual harassment complaint against former New York lawmaker, Eric Massa.

According to the lawsuit, the still unidentified male aide was regularly groped, propositioned about oral sex, and became the subject of lewd remarks from the former Democratic congressman.

The male aide’s attorney, Debra Katz, filed the complaint on behalf of her client last March 23.

Katz refused to reveal the identity of her client citing confidentiality reasons.

According to Katz, Massa’s aggressive sexual overtures began in early 2009 shortly after being elected as representative for New York.

The alleged sexual conduct allegedly escalated over time and became routine in the congressman’s office.

Katz added that there was clearly a conduct that was sexually predatory in nature and that it occurred over a long period of time, which resulted in the behavior being part of the fabric of the former lawmaker’s office.

Massa has recently resigned from his congressional seat citing health reasons as news of the alleged sexual harassment began to come out.

He also has previously admitted that he may have been guilty of “salty” language in the office.

In a TV interview, Massa also acknowledged that he had groped a staffer, but described it as tickling and not sexual in nature.

Massa also said that he should never have allowed himself to be as familiar with his staff as he was.