EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION: Worker with Medical Condition Files Complaints against Oprah Company

August 13, 2010

Los Angeles – A female employee has filed wrongful termination and discrimination charges in a Los Angeles Superior Court against Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network, claiming she was “subjected to a hostile work environment”, because she is suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS).

Court records showed that the victim Catherine Dunn had been working as an assistant for the company since August 2008.

Since that time, Dunn claimed she was subjected to a hostile work environment because of her medical condition. She further alleged that she was forced to take a stress leave, as well as a leave of absence because her MS symptoms have worsened due to workplace stress. While on leave, Dunn claimed she was replaced by a “non-disabled and younger” employee.

Dunn sought unspecified damages in her lawsuit.

The company did not comment yet on the charges.