SACRAMENTO–The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit in Los Angeles County against the Walt Disney Company, ABC Signature Studios, Inc., CBS Studios, Inc., Gregory St. Johns, and members of the executive production team of the television series “Criminal Minds.”
The lawsuit alleges that over the course of 14 years, Gregory St. Johns, Director of Photography for “Criminal Minds,” used his position of power to create an unchecked hostile work environment in which he subjected production crew members to frequent sexual harassment, including touching and caressing numerous employees. The lawsuit further alleges that the executive production team knew of and condoned the unlawful conduct, firing over a dozen men who resisted St. John’s harassment.
The state seeks damages for all production employees who were subjected to harassment for violations of the Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Ralph Civil Rights Act, and Civil Code section 51.9, which prohibits sexual harassment in business, service, and professional relationships.
“All people in California have the right to make a living free from sexual harassment,” said DFEH Director Kevin Kish. “Companies and leaders who protect harassers and retaliate against those who complain violate the law.”
After two former employees filed administrative complaints, the state in March 2019 issued a Director’s Complaint and began a systematic investigation into the allegations that resulted in this lawsuit.
