News

Luxury retailer sued by ex-manager for weight discrimination

A former Coach store manager in Detroit claims the company harassed her about gaining weight and that her refusal to lose weight was a reason for her dismissal.

October 21, 2015

A Detroit retail store manager is suing her former employer, claiming the company illegally fired her due to her weight and her refusal to use surgery and hormone therapy to lose a few pounds.

Elizabeth DeLorean filed a civil rights claim against luxury handbag seller Coach on Tuesday, claiming weight discrimination at a Coach Sterling Heights store and is banking on the state’s law regarding height and weight discrimination to win her case, according to a Detroit News report.

DeLorean’s lawyer, Sarah Prescott, says the firing action illustrates a longtime consistent behavior at the retailer.

"This wasn’t an isolated, ‘Mean Girl’ kind of comment," Prescott told the News. "This was systematic, constant and a company-sponsored idea that there is a fit with our brand and culture and you’re just not it."

The 35-year-old plaintiff was hired at Coach in 2002 as an assistant manager and was serving as a company manager by 2007. She is suing for at least $75,000, citing weight discrimination and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Coach, which states it does not comment regarding any pending legal actions, told the News the claim has no merit. The lawsuit claims that Coach management began suggesting weight-loss ideas as of 2010 and was mentioned in DeLorean’s job performance review in 2012. DeLorean claims the company suggested a weight-loss hormone, joining Weight Watchers and even suggesting she watch shows such as "The Biggest Loser" for inspiration to lose weight.

She was dismissed from her job in mid-2013.

"The official reason given, related to supposed poor performance, was a pretext," Prescott told the News. "In point of fact, (DeLorean) was discriminated against and terminated because of her weight."