March 29, 2024 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Rodeo Drive’s Jimmy Choo settles harassment case against gay employee

Interior of the Beverly Hills Jimmy Choo boutique.
Interior of the Beverly Hills Jimmy Choo boutique.

BY CNS  |  British fashion house Jimmy Choo settled a lawsuit with a 40-year-old gay Latino who said he was subjected to harassing, discriminatory behavior at the hands of his supervisor while working at the Beverly Hills store, then was fired when he complained.

Attorneys for John Ornelas filed court papers Monday with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Rita Miller stating that the case was resolved. No terms were divulged.

Ornelas sued Jimmy Choo and his former boss, Nikki Raffasha, on April 15, alleging wrongful termination and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and race. Defense attorneys denied any wrongdoing by Jimmy Choo or Raffasha.

Ornelas said he was hired in 2011 as a sales associate at Jimmy Choo and the next year began working at the Beverly Hills store on Via Rodeo Drive. After about a month, Raffasha began regularly insulting and mocking him, often using derogatory terms to describe his homosexuality and Hispanic background, the suit alleged.

Ornellas also alleged that Raffasha asked if he had AIDS, making mention of “how promiscuous you gays are.”

The suit alleged Raffasha went as far as using flippant, derogatory terms after Ornelas’ partner of 12 years died.

Ornelas said he reported the alleged discriminatory and harassing behavior to management multiple times, but nothing was done.

The problems came to a head in October 2014, when Raffasha took away one of his sales and reported it as her own, the suit alleged. After Ornelas confronted the boss, she allegedly said, “They will always choose me over some gay Mexican trash like you,” according to the complaint.

Management credited the sale to Ornelas, but he was fired two days later, according to his court papers.

Jimmy Choo sells high-end shoes, handbags, accessories and fragrances.

Ornelas’ attorney, Carney Shegerian, released a statement saying: “Unfortunately, this is yet another example of a successful company not following its own rules, let alone the labor code. People in positions of power harassing and discriminating against their employees is a huge problem that simply must stop. It’s our job to help Mr. Ornelas seek justice and hopefully make a public statement that this kind of abuse – in any workplace – cannot be tolerated.”

Related Posts

Podcast Host Mat George Killed In Hit-And-Run

July 19, 2021

July 19, 2021

Mathew George, gay co-host of the podcast “She Rates Dogs”, has died at the age of 26 after a hit-and-run...

Hal Holbrook, Actor Who Played Mark Twain, Dies At 95

February 3, 2021

February 3, 2021

Hal Holbrook, the actor best known for his accurate portrayal of Samuel Clemens — better known as Mark Twain —...

JQ International Promotes LGBTQ Involvement, Acceptance at Annual Awards Event

April 17, 2019

April 17, 2019

Los Angeles-based leading LGBTQ+ Jewish organization JQ International hosted its annual flagship JQ Awards Brunch on Sunday, April 14.  Hosted...

Third time may be the charm for The Equality Act?

April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019

Bill providing LGBTQ+ protections is currently being reviewed by U.S. Committees. By Jorge Paniagua Republicans challenged the legislation with anti-transgender...

In 30 Years, GLAAD Has Come a Long Way

March 21, 2019

March 21, 2019

The 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are coming to L.A. on March 28. Rich Ferraro has been working with GLAAD for...

DEAR AIDAN: Feeling Unappreciated in Relationship

March 12, 2019

March 12, 2019

Dear Aidan, I am in a relationship where I feel as though I am doing most of the work. I...

Turning Back the Clock with Regenerative Therapy

August 22, 2018

August 22, 2018

World-renowned stem cell expert Dr. Lox, M.D. heals chronic pain.  By Sam Catanzaro What do Kobe Bryant, Peyton Manning and...

Edin Park Food Court to Come to Beverly Grove

May 8, 2017

May 8, 2017 185

Edin Park will be nothing if not imposing

Carrie Fisher, 60, dies in Los Angeles

December 27, 2016

December 27, 2016 189

BY TROY MASTERS  |  Talk about a complicated, wild and deeply connected public life in several fishbowls. Carrie Fisher, 60, who...

AIDS Memorial Quilt on display in Beverly Hills through Dec. 4

November 29, 2016

November 29, 2016 152

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS | If you are reading this, you probably know someone affected by HIV and AIDS. If you...

Extraordinary Families’ extraordinary family

April 20, 2016

April 20, 2016

Extraordinary Families hosted it’s inaugural awards gala at the Beverly Hilton on April 20, 2016. The agency helps match adolescent youth...

Over 50 Restaurants, Celebrity Chefs Join In Beverly Hills Culinary Week

April 4, 2016

April 4, 2016 600

Loosen your belts and open up your wallet – the much anticipated Beverly Hills Culinary Week is here. More than 50...