Clarification: Lisa Vanderpump Does Not Have To Pay $1.5 Million In Sexual Harassment Suit
As we reported yesterday, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” stars, Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd are embroiled in an ongoing court battle between a server who was employed by the couple’s restaurant, Villa Blanca, and it’s management. And according My News LA the case was settled with a final award of $1.5 million, in attorney’s fees.
The amount of the settlement stood out as exuberant for a sexual harassment suit especially since the accuser was found not guiltily and Lisa agreed. The RHOBH star reached out to All About The Tea on Twitter to clarify that the dollar amount ($1.5 million) reported by My News LA. is incorrect. Vanderpump clarified in a tweet, “not true at all. $150.000 was lodged for the Appeal..somebody has added a zero.”
While the suit was technically filed against Villa Blanca Restaurant, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Michael Linfield, later ruled that because Lisa and Ken had unitary interests, they should share liability with their business. He also said that he disagreed with defense attorney Marianne Zakarian’s assertion that the amount of the fees sought by the plaintiff, was excessive.
Vanderpump went on to further clarify her position in a direct message (DM) to All About The Tea:
“Well it is under appeal,the jury unequivocally said it didn’t happen,so why is Vb responsible? This is her lawyer wanting publicity”
The case was originally filed back in October of 2012. The plaintiff, Karina Bustillos, was previously awarded $6,250 in compensatory damages and $100,000 in punitive damages in her sexual harassment lawsuit, back in June. She alleged that manager, Michael Govia, sexually harassed her, by violently grabbing her wrists, calling her vile names, and attempting to kiss her. Curiously, there were no witnesses that came forward to back up the aspiring model/actress’ claims, and the accused perpetrator was exonerated of all charges.
The case was originally filed back in October of 2012. The plaintiff, Karina Bustillos, was previously awarded $6,250 in compensatory damages and $100,000 in punitive damages in her sexual harassment lawsuit, back in June. She alleged that manager, Michael Govia, sexually harassed her, by violently grabbing her wrists, calling her vile names, and attempting to kiss her. Curiously, there were no witnesses that came forward to back up the aspiring model/actress’ claims, and the accused perpetrator was exonerated of all charges.
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Becca is a Senior Editor for All About The Tea. She’s a coastal girl who loves the outdoors, and writing about the sneaky and silly side of reality TV. Her bio is short, but her snark is endless. She loves writing for the sharpest posters in the world.