A former employee has filed a lawsuit against advertising agency Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners (BSSP), accusing the company of harassment and discrimination during her medical leave for cancer treatment.
Lauren King filed the complaint on December 19, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, naming BSSP and its CEO, Tracey Faux-Pattani.
The case centers on allegations that BSSP discriminated against King due to her cancer diagnosis. King claims she was subjected to harassment and undue pressure after taking legally protected medical leave to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Despite the seriousness of her condition, which required treatment and hospitalization starting July 27, 2023, King alleges that BSSP pressured her to return to work prematurely and cut her pay significantly upon her return in January 2024.
The lawsuit also details how King's role was undermined when she was demoted and forced to interview candidates for her replacement while still on medical leave.
King’s legal team argues that BSSP violated both federal and state laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), and New York Labor Law § 215.
They claim that BSSP's actions constituted interference with King's FMLA rights and retaliation for exercising those rights. The complaint states that BSSP's conduct caused emotional distress and economic harm to King.
King seeks various forms of relief, including a declaratory judgment affirming the illegality of BSSP's actions, compensatory damages for economic losses and emotional distress, and punitive damages for what she describes as willful negligence.
Her legal team also requests attorneys' fees and costs related to the case.
The case is being handled by Seppinni Law PLLC, with attorneys Shane Seppinni and Zachary Rubin representing King. It is being heard under Case No. 24-CV-8657.