Font ResizeTrial began Tuesday in a lawsuit filed by a former Angeles National Golf Course drink server who says supervisors retaliated against her after she reported a customer for fondling her.
It's one of at least four discrimination suits against Angeles National, which bills itself as "the only Nicklaus Design golf course in Los Angeles County."
The plaintiff, Carly Cooter, filed suit in June 2010. Her suit claimed wrongful termination, retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, a hostile work environment, sex discrimination, breach of contract and various labor law violations.
The lawsuit says she was hired in 2004. One day in 2006 or 2007, the suit says, an apparently drunk customer walked up behind her, squeezed her breasts and simulated sex.
After she complained, a supervisor who was supposed to handle the matter made mocking comments and her shifts were reduced, the complaint says.
In another lawsuit, a woman who used to work at the club says she was fired after complaining about a snack bar camera that broadcast footage of her rear end to TV screens around the club. That case has not gone to trial.
The lawyer for both those women, Ann Hull, said the club seems to have "a culture that focuses on having young cute girls around."
Hull said she represents eight plaintiffs in the four suits against Angeles National.
Jury selection started Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, and opening
In a statement released by a public-relations firm, Angeles National called the allegations in all the lawsuits "ridiculous, salacious and unfounded" and criticized Hull for sending out press releases in an effort "to try their case in the court of public opinion."
The spokesman, Eric Rose, said the club refused to be pressured into settling.
"We trust the courts will recognize the cases for what they are - an unconscionable and irresponsible abuse of the legal system by disgruntled former employees," Rose wrote.
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