realestate

Cushman & Wakefield Sued for Discrimination Against LGBTQ, Jewish Employees

A new lawsuit claims a former Cushman & Wakefield property manager was subjected to harassment and inappropriate remarks about her religion and sexual orientation by a supervisor who repeatedly ordered her to "turn around and show me your ass.

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lawsuit has been filed against Cushman & Wakefield and the Cappelli Organization for allegedly discriminating against a former property manager named Ahouva Steinberg. Steinberg claims she was subjected to inappropriate comments about her religion, sexual orientation, and body, as well as invasive questions about her sexuality and inappropriate jokes about her Jewish faith. She alleges that her time working at the 3Thirty3 apartment building in New Rochelle was "wrought with crude comments about her body, invasive questions about her sexuality (and) inappropriate jokes about her Jewish faith."

    Steinberg's direct supervisor, Maya Liepa, allegedly made numerous inappropriate remarks towards her. Liepa reportedly asked Steinberg if she had ever had sexual relations with a Scorpio and repeatedly pressured her to "look hot" in the workplace, saying that "sex sells." She also made anti-Semitic remarks, referring to a Jewish supervisor as "Hitler" and "cheap Jew."

    Steinberg became increasingly distressed about her work environment and eventually emailed a detailed complaint to human resources. However, when she asked if she would hear back from anyone regarding her complaint, she was told no and the call ended abruptly.

    Steinberg's attorney, Hilary Orzick, stated that "no employee should be treated like a second-class citizen because they are gay, due to their religion, or because they have a disability."

    The lawsuit also alleges that Steinberg was subjected to crude remarks about her body, invasive questions about her sexuality, and inappropriate jokes about her Jewish faith. She quit her job in August after allegedly being subjected to this behavior for too long.

    The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages for Steinberg's emotional distress and harm to her reputation.

Cushman & Wakefield office building with protesters outside, holding signs against discrimination.