An employee who used to work for the clothing store Forever 21 discovered video camera footage on various pornographic websites of herself using the employee bathroom. She is suing the company for negligence and invasion of privacy alleging that they should be held accountable for failing to prevent the camera’s placement and protecting the privacy of their workers. The victim also filed for an order protecting her identity as she wishes to remain anonymous.
In 2011 the woman was attending Providence College in Rhode Island while working at Forever 21. A single-stall employee bathroom shared by staff members reportedly contained a hidden camera, which the victim claimed as the source of the videos circulating the internet. She discovered the footage at the end of last year.
Court documents reflect in the woman’s complaint that Forever 21 failed to provide security of any type in order to monitor and protect against the placement of the camera, and though the restroom was intended for the sole use of employees they have no way to be sure an unauthorized person or persons did not enter the lavatory.
The victim stated that she has and will continue to suffer embarrassment and severe emotional distress due to the released recordings, and she is holding Forever 21 liable for a minimum of $2 million for the emotional damages caused by alleged negligence and invasion of privacy.
A spokeswoman for the company informed of their policy in declining to comment on pending legal matters, but she shared that Forever 21 holds privacy of their employees as a high priority. They are performing an in-depth investigation involving local police and a national investigation team along with their legal representation.
While most states typically frown upon invasion of one’s right to privacy the laws are determined by each state individually.
If you or someone you love is suspected of negligence, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.