Alina Habba settles sexual harassment case with ex-golf club waitress

Alina Habba, a lawyer for Donald Trump, has settled a lawsuit with Alice Bianco, a former waitress at Trump National Golf Club, over allegations of sexual harassment and an illegal non-disclosure agreement (NDA). The lawsuit, which began nearly a year ago, accused Habba of tricking Bianco into signing an NDA that silenced her regarding the harassment claims. The settlement was reached on August 27, 2023, after mediation, with the terms remaining undisclosed. Bianco's original lawsuit claimed that her supervisor at the golf club engaged in quid pro quo sexual harassment shortly after she started working there in May 2021. After seeking legal advice, she alleged that Habba, who presented herself as a friend, misled her into signing the NDA, which was intended to keep her quiet about the harassment. The golf club had previously settled with Bianco in March, but Habba was not included in that agreement, allowing Bianco to pursue her personally. The case highlights the legal implications of NDAs in New Jersey, where such agreements aimed at concealing harassment claims are unenforceable. Bianco expressed relief at the settlement, emphasizing the importance of not silencing victims of discrimination and harassment. She hopes her experience will encourage other women to speak out against sexual harassment. Habba has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that she acted ethically throughout the situation. The resolution of this case marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about workplace harassment and the use of NDAs to silence victims.