Sony Pictures Television has issued their legal response to The Young and the Restless actress Briana Thomas’ wrongful termination lawsuit. Thomas claims that the show’s executive producer, Anthony Morina, has made repeated comments about her body, offered her a private acting lesson and apparently had her fired when she rebuffed him. Here’s what you need to know.
Sony Pictures Television Slaps Back At Briana Thomas In Wrongful Termination Lawsuit Over “The Young and the Restless”
Sony Pictures Television and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. note that it is “answering for themselves and no others. Their filing stated the following four reasons:
- Pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 431.30(d), Defendants deny, generally and specifically, each and every allegation contained in Plaintiff’s Complaint and each and every cause of action therein.
- Defendants further deny that Plaintiff has sustained any injury, damage or loss by reason of any act or omission on the part of Defendants, and specifically deny that Plaintiff suffered any of the damages alleged in the Complaint.
- Defendants further deny that they had an employee-employer relationship with Plaintiff.
- Defendants further deny that Plaintiff is entitled to any relief against Defendants on any ground whatsoever, and deny that Plaintiff is entitled to damages against Defendants in any amount.
The company also issued a statement that said, “Having fully answered the allegations in the Complaint, Defendants assert the following additional affirmative and other defenses. In so doing, Defendants do not allege or admit that they have the burden of proof and/or persuasion with respect to any of these matters.”
Thomas also says that Morina would often leer at her, get close to her, and compliment her looks. He also told her that she could “really be something” and in one pool scene, tried to have her take off her sarong so he could see her in a bikini. “It’s a tough industry to break into, unless you know someone who can help you,” he said, while supposedly touching Thomas’ waist and playing with her bikini strings, according to the suit. “Let’s start with a private session and see if we can get you a little more comfortable.”
The Young and the Restless Spoilers: All About Briana Thomas’ Lawsuit
Her 22-page filing also says: “After spurning his advances for months, Morina began to retaliate against Plaintiff and at one point blew up at her in front of other staff and coworkers. Morina began yelling at Plaintiff and saying she was ‘just an extra’ and there was ‘not going to be a part for (her]’ while cursing and verbally abusing Plaintiff and humiliating her in front of other staff. Morina also told Plaintiff that he alone decided whether Plaintiff’s presence on Y&R continued.”
It added: “Morina then told Plaintiff ‘l’m the reason why you have a job. l am doing you a favor. I like you. Do you understand what I am saying?’” the complaint says “Morina was again propositioning Plaintiff during his tirade.”
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