HOUSTON – A Houston woman accuses Texas Renaissance Festivals, Inc. of terminating her for opposing sex discrimination.
Jennifer L. Gorsché filed a lawsuit on Dec. 13 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas, stating that she experienced sexual harassment as the defendant’s director of public relations and media relations.
TRF employed Gorsché for much of 2012. She performed her duties with success and her marketing efforts led to a new record in attendance, the suit says.
Gorsché claims that George Coulam, TRF’s owner, referred to her as “cupcake” and subjected her to terms and conditions of her employment that were different than those of her male co-workers.
Coulam reportedly encouraged the plaintiff to “get members of the media laid” in exchange for reports on the upcoming Renaissance Festival event.
Per recent court papers, Coulam told Gorsché that he was a racist and knew she was married to a black man.
Gorsché insists that she complained about the comments, as well as sought her predecessor for guidance about her employment situation and possible evidence of sex discrimination.
After the encounter in question, the original petition says, the respondent terminated Gorsché.
The complainant’s firing was a form of retaliation, according to the suit.
A jury trial is requested.
Attorney Amy Jaasma of the law firm Matthews & Jaasma, L.L.P. in Sugar Land is representing Gorsché.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case No. 4:16-CV-3650