Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in California

Sexual harassment entrapment

I have a situation at work where I got pretty close with one of the executives. Nothing ever happened other than some flirting, some sexual innuendo, some touches and some friendly embraces. Things started getting too intense, so I backed off. When I tried to explain why, the executive overreacted.

I was verbally reprimanded by human resources for giving the executive my written explanation. I then tried to verbally explain to my boss what had happened and that I was concerned about sexual harassment issues raised by what the executive had done. He said it was basically unworthy of discussion -- that the matter was closed.

Two weeks later, I was written up by my boss for something in relation to this situation that I did not do. (I learned after the fact that a known outside party had sent the executive an e-mail.) It was implied in the memo that I was creating a ''hostile work environment'' for the executive when I had done nothing but treat the executive professionally.

My concern is that they are trying to set me up and fire me for sexual harassment. I have written a response to the memo and am afraid that when I turn it in, they will fire me. Do you have some advice? Thanks.


Asked on 8/30/02, 2:10 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Ken Koenen Koenen & Tokunaga, P.C.

Re: Sexual harassment entrapment

I am assuming that you are a woman and the executive is male. Sexual harrassment stems from a supervisor using his position to get sexual favors.

They would have a difficult time justifying termination, but you may want to contact a local attorney before you submit the response.

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Answered on 9/09/02, 7:43 pm
Amy Ghosh Law Offices of Amy Ghosh

Re: Sexual harassment entrapment

Sound interesting but I need more info. How big is your company? How long you have been working for them? How much is your salary?

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Answered on 9/09/02, 8:08 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Sexual harassment entrapment

The best advice is to obtain competent counsel before you say or do anything else, that may jeapordize the harassment case you appear to have. Document everything that has happened in a chronology, and call if you are interested in discussing the potential case. 714-960-7584

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Answered on 9/10/02, 1:53 pm


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