TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — A Florida House of Representatives governmental aide alleges he and others suffered sexual harassment by Rep. Fabian Basabe, who then posted defamatory statements about them on social media.
Nicholas Frevola, Janette Frevola and Jacob Cutbirth filed a complaint July 6 in Leon County Circuit Court against Basabe, alleging defamation and other claims.
According to the plaintiffs' complaint, Nicholas Frevola held the position of legislative representative for Rep. Basabe and was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Also, according to the complaint, Frevola's mother, Janette Frevola, held the position of OPS Secretary in the Office of the General Counsel in the House.
The plaintiffs claim that from December 2022, Basabe was intoxicated on several occasions and attempted to grope and kiss a male intern. They further claim Basabe's other behavior included slapping and touching Frevola on his buttocks and showing naked photos of a man on his phone to Frevola and the intern.
They further allege Basabe's behavior also included making comments about having sex with men and making explicit sexual comments on numerous occasions but due to the NDA, were not reported. The plaintiffs claim that after a senator learned of Basabe's behavior, what was supposed to be a confidential investigation was launched against Basabe. They allege Basabe then wrote offensive and false statements about Nicholas and Janette Frevola on social media once word of the investigation reached media outlets.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of more than $50,000, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Marie Mattox of Marie A. Mattox PA in Tallahassee, Albert Frevola, Jr., of The Frevola Law Firm PLLC in Ft. Lauderdale and Cynthia Myers of Cynthia Myers PA in Tallahassee.