Briana Thomas sues Tony Morina for sexual harassment
BRIANA Thomas is suing The Young and The Restless showrunner
Anthony "Tony" Morina for sexual harassment.
The actress filed a lawsuit earlier this week against CBS
Studios and Sony Pictures Television in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Morina, the executive producer of the daytime drama show The
Young and the Restless, has been accused of making repeated advances toward
Thomas, commenting on her appearance, and offering "private acting
lessons," according to a lawsuit filed Thursday, Variety reported.
According to the complaint, obtained by the media outlet,
Morina allegedly gained interest in the actress when she appeared on the show
as a barista in 2018 and 2019.
He allegedly sexually harassed Thomas and fired her after
she didn't welcome his advances.
In the complaint, which was also obtained by PEOPLE, Morina
allegedly made "inappropriate sexual comments and advances" when
Thomas played her role in the fictitious Crimson Lights Coffeehouse.
Thomas alleged that Morina once placed his hand on her lower
back and looked directly at her breasts when he first met her, the complaint
reportedly states.
Morina has also been accused of telling Thomas she could
“really be something” on the show.
After one of Thomas' scenes, she claims Morina touched her
bikini bottom strings and said: "It's a tough industry to break into,
unless you know someone who can help you.
"Let's start with a private session and see if we can
get you a little more comfortable."
She also claimed to have been hired for a background role
and told she would be paid more, a principal character wage, once her role
became more regular on the show, Variety reported.
The suit also alleges Morina complained about a sexual
harassment training and called the seminar's "bullsh*t."
According to the complaint, after Thomas denied Morina's
request to give her private lessons, he later would allegedly call her “just an
extra" and "began to retaliate."
Morina allegedly said: "I’m the reason why you have a
job.
"I am doing you a favor. I like you. Do you understand
what I’m saying?"
According to Thomas' lawsuit, she is seeking damages —
including "unpaid wages, premium pay and statutory penalties" and
fees.
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