Lisa Vanderpump is likely breathing a sigh of relief as a former Vanderpump Dogs employee has officially dropped her lawsuit against the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum’s foundation.
If fans recall, Damiana Guzman, who worked as a groomer at the organization for approximately two months, filed suit against the Vanderpump Dogs Foundation, claiming her complaints of sexual harassment were ignored.
However, according to court documents obtained by Radar Online, the ex-employee has informed the court that she’s dropping her claims of sexual harassment and wrongful termination, so the case is officially closed.
Damiana filed the suit against the company with the Los Angeles County Superior Court in January 2020, alleging “unlawful harassment based on sex, gender, and sexual orientation,” and, “wrongful termination in violation of public policy by way of constructive discharge.”
The woman claimed she had dealt with “intolerable working conditions” created by her supervisors and manager, Martin Duarte, who allegedly called Damiana a “skinny no-*ss fool” and “flat-*ss b*tch.” Furthermore, Damiana, who happens to be a lesbian, alleged that Martin suggested he could “turn her straight.”
Though she said she complained about the alleged harassment to her superiors, she claimed it fell on deaf ears, which left her no choice but to resign from her dog grooming position within the organization.
Not long after Damiana filed the suit, a source close to Lisa reportedly spoke out about the situation, calling it a “shame.”
“It’s a shame that someone who worked for the foundation for less than 90 days would choose to sue or try to malign an organization whose sole purpose is dedicated to being a voice for the voiceless,” the source said at the time. “Working to resolve unnecessary cases like this just takes away from being able to save more lives.”
In addition to the insider’s statement, the Vanderpump Dog Foundation denied any wrongdoing when they responded to the suit.
“Defendant is informed and believes, and on such information and belief alleges, that the damages, if any, sustained by Plaintiff, were caused by the acts, omissions, and negligence of Plaintiff and any damages awarded to Plaintiff should be diminished in proportion to that amount attributed to Plaintiff,” the company’s response read.
The company also said that they “took all appropriate steps to investigate and prevent any alleged harassment,” and any emotional distress the former employee may have suffered was due to “pre-existing psychological disorders” caused by Damiana’s own actions.
Unfortunately for Lisa and her Vanderpump Dogs Foundation, they are currently facing another lawsuit filed by a woman who claims she has suffered from a severe worm infection after contracting “intestinal parasites” from a puppy she adopted from the nonprofit organization.
According to the woman, she has been suffering from emotional distress after expelling “live worms and eggs from her mouth, vagina, and anus.” That case is still ongoing.