coworker brought sexual harrassment charges against me?

Question

When speaking with friends I told them I heard "female first name" was a whore. A female at my job brought sexual harrassement charges against me. Since I didn't use her last name, wouldn't a sexual harrassement charge be false. How can I find out what my rights are?

Answer 1

Talk to an attorney.

Face it, you messed up.

Answer 2

I dont know why people answering this question are so offended and calling you a pervert. From the information you've given it seems like you were having a casual conversation with friends and made a rather impolite comment about a co-worker. Apparently you have "heard" that this women is a whore, which in fact could be true, but still a rather inappropriate comment at a place of employment. By saying this your havnt sexually harrassed this women or performed anything perverted. At this point all she knows is that you have potentially made an insult about her. Im guessing one of your other co-workers has ratted you out or something along those lines. If this is the case then its all hearsay. If she goes through with the charges get a lawyer you should be fine.

Answer 3

Sexual harrassment has many forms. It can be unwanted physical or verbal contact of sexual nature that provides an uncomfortable environment for another person. It doesn't matter that you did not use a last name. You called someone a whore and were referring to a woman in a sexual manner. At this point, an investigation should be done by management and then the case will go from there. Sorry buddy, but you were in the wrong.

Answer 4

Ok first off..it depends on the laws of your state...secondly...almost all sexual harassment claims must be of a repetitive nature (except physical sexual harassment). The person you were talking about must file a complaint against you and you must be warned that this type of behavior is unacceptable. A first incidence like what you described will not result in a sexual harassment charge. However, a blanket harassment charge could be another matter all together. If your coworker says you have made her work place a 'hostile environment' due to gossip, etc..then there might be a case. Best case senario would be to apoligize to your coworker and try to work it out before it blows up.

Answer 5

You're lucky it was just harrassment charges. Unless you can prove in court she actually is a whore, you might also face a defamation of character suit and a libel suit.

Good luck. And watch what you say!

Answer 6

Were you asked about what you heard about X? And did you then say you heard X was a whore? Or, did you volunteer that X was indeed a whore based on hearsay? If the former, you must insist you were reprting the truth as it was reported to you, and good luck. If the latter, may Gad have mercy upon your soul.

Answer 7

Sexual harassment? If it happened exactly do way u're saying it's more like defamation. She has all right to present charges against you, just find a attorney, don't lie about it, be calm, and apologize to her. Next time give women some respect, and keep your mouth shut.

Answer 8

If you said her first name and called her a whore then she has grounds to file sexual harrassment charges on you. Maybe you should be a little more considerant with your words

Answer 9

If the context was made, and the co-workers were lead to belive it was this worker, yes she has a good case against you.

You need to hire an attorney and try to reach a settlement

Answer 10

Don't try to deny you were referring to her. You were asking a question. Just be honest about the situation, if it was as innocent as you say. No charges will be brought against you. There may be an investigation, though.
But, you should have more respect for the females in your workplace.

Answer 11

This is just the day in time when you have to watch what you say around people at work. You just never know who is listening. You might have said something about your co-workers friend that was listening.