America First Legal (AFL), along with the Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) and Murphy Ball Stratton LLP, has initiated legal proceedings against Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Inc. (TSO) and other related entities in a Texas state district court. The lawsuit alleges that TSO unlawfully retaliated against a female employee following her reports of sexual harassment by a colleague.
The defendants named in the lawsuit include TSO, Night Castle Management, Inc., Wild Child Touring, Inc., Production Resource Group, LLC (PRG), and Showpay, LLC. They are accused of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as Texas labor laws.
Jessica Featherston, a professional lighting technician employed by PRG since 2015 for various tours and events, is AFL's client in this case. In 2022, Michael Robertson worked as a crew chief for a TSO partner company on one such tour. According to AFL’s claims, Robertson engaged in inappropriate behavior and intimidation towards Featherston and other female crew members.
The lawsuit asserts that Robertson waited in bathrooms to shower naked alongside women crew members. Furthermore, it alleges that after Featherston reported these incidents to PRG in February 2024, she was assured there would be no repercussions affecting her future employment opportunities.
However, shortly after making her report about Robertson's conduct, Featherston was removed from the Foo Fighters tour roster without explanation. Her replacement allegedly performed poorly and also engaged in sexual harassment during the tour.
AFL demands accountability from TSO and its partners for permitting workplace harassment to go unchecked while penalizing those who report such behavior.
Nick Barry from America First Legal commented: “Transgender activists always say to those who object: ‘Why do you care? It doesn’t harm you!’ Here it harmed our client and the other women on the tour... When employers permit sexual harassment to occur and retaliate against complainants they should expect to be held accountable.”
Laura Stell of America First Legal added: “Employer retaliation against victims of sexual misconduct is illegal... Companies that silence victims in violation of federal law will be held accountable—America First Legal will see to it.”
Beth Parlato from Independent Women’s Forum stated: “Independent Women’s Forum is committed to fighting for women... All individuals deserve to work in an environment free from harassment and fear of retaliation.”
Michelle Stratton representing Murphy Ball Stratton LLP said: “Murphy Ball Stratton LLP is proud to represent Jessica Featherston...and honored to partner with AFL and IWF in pursuit of justice.”
###