Last week, Nan Shi filed a complaint against Google executive Maria Zhang for claims of sexual harassment, emotional distress and wrongful termination.
As detailed in this CNN article, the complaint alleges that in exchange for oral and digital sex, Zhang promised Shi a bright future at Yahoo. Shi claims to have been coerced into such activity on multiple occasions. The complaint alleges that after rejecting Zhang’s sexual advances, Shi began to receive poor performance reviews and assignments that were beneath her skill set. Zhang at one time told Shi that she had the power to take everything away from her.
According to Shi’s attorneys, the two women had not engaged in an intimate relationship previous to the allegations made in the suit.
A spokesperson for Yahoo stated, “There is absolutely no basis or truth to the allegations. Maria is an exemplary Yahoo executive and we intend to fight vigorously to clear her name.”
Although this action is between two females, attorney for Shi, Mathew Da Vega stated, “You’ll see more sexual harassment cases in Silicon Valley because of the male dominated culture.”
If you or someone you know thinks they have experienced sexual harassment, the team at Radford & Keebaugh can help. Contact us by phone at (678) 369-3609 or use our contact form.