#9to5Nightmares HR Podcast Episode 10

Highlighting hostile work environments and costly misconduct including a historic jury award for workplace harassment against an airline, a record-breaking $107.5 million in Chicago police misconduct settlements, and a Netflix-backed Oscar campaign derailed by resurfaced racist and xenophobic comments from its lead actress.

We talk about misconduct so you can avoid it!

Jury Awards $2.17 Million Against Airlines for Sex Discrimination

A Texas jury awarded $2.17 million to a former airline parts clerk in a landmark EEOC lawsuit over a hostile work environment. The former employee faced relentless sexual harassment from coworkers and a male manager, including crude remarks, sex act requests, and rape jokes.

Despite reporting the abuse,  the airline failed to take prompt remedial action. The jury ruled that the airline was aware of the misconduct but did not intervene effectively. 

Chicago Taxpayers Spent At Least $107.5M to Resolve Police Misconduct Lawsuits in 2024, Analysis Finds

Chicago spent $107.5 million on 122 police misconduct lawsuits in 2024, exceeding its $82 million budget by 31%. This marks the city’s highest annual payout since 2011. Cases involved false arrests, excessive force, and malicious prosecution.

The costliest case involved a $20 million settlement for a 15-year-old boy who was left unable to walk or speak after an unauthorized police chase. The soaring costs highlight ongoing accountability issues in law enforcement. Find out more on the report at WTTW.

When Past Misconduct Comes to Light: The Karla Sofía Gascón and Emilia Pérez Oscar Controversy— and What It Means for Organizations

Netflix’s Emilia Pérez lost awards momentum after racist and xenophobic tweets from lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón resurfaced. In now-viral posts, she insulted Muslims, George Floyd, and Oscar diversity, calling Islam a "hotbed of infection" and dismissing Floyd as a "drug addict swindler."

Netflix and her PR team distanced themselves, while co-stars condemned her remarks. The backlash ultimately derailed the film’s Oscar campaign. Read more on the story and its business impact at Fama.

Watch the full episode to learn more about misconduct at work and these 9 to 5 Nightmares!

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9 to 5 Nightmares Episode 10 features misconduct that has real-life implications beyond the workplace.

To learn more about Fama and how you can avoid misconduct from the hiring process, request a demo here.