A former news entertainment reporter filed a lawsuit against CBS and two homosexual executives alleging sexual harassment on the job. Ken Lombardi, 29, says he was fired after he complained about the sexual harassment to the Human Resources department at CBS.
In the court documents filed in Manhattan Federal court, Lombardi accused senior producer Duane Tollison of kissing his neck at a CBS party in 2013. Tollison allegedly slid his hands down the front of Lombardi’s pants and fondled his genitals, the New York Post reports.
Court documents contains a text message from Tollison apologizing for his actions after the party.
“I wanted to apologize if anything I did offended you or crossed a line. I like to get a little crazy. If you weren’t offended, then let’s do it again. LOL How is your day so far? :)”
Lombardi said he confided in CBS Evening News director Albert (Chip) Colley over drinks at a gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen. Lombardi said that instead of getting advice, Colley hit on him in the bar.
In the suit, Lombardi alleges that Colley sent text messages to him with links to porn sites, kissed him and rubbed his leg. The documents also state: “Colley told (Lombardi) that he did not really believe being bisexual was real and told plaintiff that he was actually completely gay.”
“While I was being attacked by Chip, I was texting my brother, ‘Oh, my God, I’m about to be raped. Please, God, help me,'” Lombardi told New York Post. “It’s painful to even look at them again.” Source
Lombardi named CBS News entertainment department manager Paula Cohen in the lawsuit for allegedly “tormenting” him after he complained to HR.
“You know you’re really p—ing me off!” Cohen allegedly yelled at Lombardi.
CBS Interactive spokeswoman Annie Rohrs said the network will “vigorously” defend itself against the lawsuit.
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