Former Trump National Golf Club staffer Alice Bianco has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment by her manager at the Bedminster, New Jersey club, followed by coercion into signing an illegal non-disclosure agreement (NDA) facilitated by an attorney linked to former President Donald Trump.
According to reports from CNN, Bianco's lawsuit details disturbing incidents, claiming that her manager, Pavel Melichar, inappropriately provided her with "very short uniform skirts" and pressured her into a sexual relationship, promising job security in return. Allegedly, when Bianco rejected his advances, Melichar subjected her to unfair treatment at work and allowed mistreatment by other employees.
Although Melichar hasn't been named as a defendant in the lawsuit, Bianco further stated that she became aware of a colleague planning to report the club's toxic work culture to Trump's personal staff. Following this, Bianco was approached by attorney Alina Habba, who was not representing Trump at the time but was a club member.
The lawsuit claims that Habba discouraged Bianco from publicizing her accusations and encouraged her to sign a supposedly "simple" NDA, promising protection. Bianco's legal action aims to nullify the NDA enforcement, seek coverage for legal expenses, and report Habba's conduct to the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics, with no additional penalties sought.
Bianco's attorney, Nancy Erika Smith, highlighted Habba's alleged manipulation of Bianco, positioning herself within Trump's circle by coaxing an agreement that favored Trump, allegedly at a fraction of what a standard settlement would entail.
In response to the allegations, Habba maintained her ethical conduct, denying any impropriety in the situation. She stated, "I always conduct myself ethically and acted no differently in this circumstance," in a statement to CNN.
The lawsuit underscores serious allegations of workplace harassment and coercion, shedding light on the complexities and ethical implications surrounding NDAs and professional conduct in legal matters.
(With Agency Inputs)
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