Teen Employee Sues Chuck E. Cheese in Charleston for Harassment

A former teenage employee at a Chuck E. Cheese in Charleston, West Virginia, has filed a lawsuit against the restaurant and her former manager, Ryan Slade, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. The lawsuit, initiated by the Bailess Law Firm, claims that the young worker was subjected to inappropriate comments about her appearance, unwanted physical contact, and grooming attempts for a sexual relationship during her nine-month employment. The situation escalated when she reported another employee's inappropriate behavior, only to be met with further harassment from Slade. The complaint details several incidents, including Slade's comments about wanting to take her to dinner if he were not her boss and his physical violations, such as smacking her thigh and rubbing her hips. The plaintiff's mother reported her daughter's distress over the manager's actions to the corporate team, but the company allegedly failed to address the allegations promptly, leading the teenager to resign. The lawsuit emphasizes the severity of the harassment faced by the young employee, highlighting the contradiction of working in a family-friendly environment while enduring such treatment. The legal representation for the plaintiff aims to hold Chuck E. Cheese accountable for the alleged misconduct and to advocate for a safer workplace for all employees. This case raises significant concerns about workplace safety and the protection of young workers from harassment, particularly in environments that promote themselves as safe and welcoming. The outcome of this lawsuit could have broader implications for workplace policies and the treatment of employees in similar settings.