HOUSTON — A former fitness instructor in Katy alleges she faced a toxic work environment due to sexual harassment race and gender discrimination.
Natalie Guandique filed a complaint Aug. 29 in Harris County District Court against Kevin Langford, Ernest Guillory and 9Round Franchising LLC alleging negligence, race, gender discrimination, sexual harassment and other claims.
According to her complaint, Guandique began working as a trainee to be an instructor at 9Round Fitness in Katy. She alleges that she faced a "toxic" work environment due to sexual harassment and assaults. Specifically, Guandique claims she faced sexual innuendos and demeaning comments regarding her gender, ethnic background, skin color, including being called "pretty little brown girl."
She also claims her body was touched without permission, was kicked and belittled in a training class as well as was taunted. Guandique alleges as a result of the toxic work environment she suffered lost wages, damages to her reputation, emotional distress and embarrassment. She claims she had no other option but to resign on June 8, 2021.
Guandique seeks monetary relief of $250,000 or less, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. She is represented by Gus Pappas of Dabney Pappas in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-54251