It might seem odd but the top vote-getter for "Worst Employer of the Year" might be Naomi Campbell, the temperamental super-model with a penchant for hitting employees. In this latest suit, Campbell is accused of throwing tantrums and a host of hand-held devices (cell phones, Blackberry's) at housekeeper Amanda Brack. Brack claims she put up with the mistreatment for a while, because she was swept away by the glamorous lifestyle the position offered. Eventually, however, she could no longer take the abuse and quit in June of 2005.
Lawsuits by begrudged former employees are commonplace for Campbell who, in 2003, was sued by a former administrative assistant for throwing a phone at her. Campbell was also sued by a maid who said she was slapped across the face by Campbell in 2004. Just last month, Campbell was once again sued for throwing things at yet another maid.
While it's hard to deny a pattern of abuse with Campbell, it's also hard not to consider that employees might be smelling money and trumping up accusations. Now, I'm not defending Campbell; my understanding is that she's a difficult woman to work with even when she's not having a tantrum or holding a cell phone. But with all these victims coming forward and demanding settlements, it's hard not to wonder if there's any financial motivation associated with the lawsuits.
In any case, anyone taking a job with Ms. Campbell ought to check out the worker's comp before signing up.
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