A lawsuit was filed in Federal Court 3/17 on behalf of Nicoletta Robinson, a former production assistant of Original Media, the production company for “Ink Master” shown on Viacom’s Spike TV, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.
The suit alleges that Oliver Peck and Chris Nunez, celebrity judges of Ink Master repeatedly engaged in offensive sexual language and unwelcome physical contact directed at the plaintiff from 10/29/13-11/8/13. The complaint states the young woman’s numerous requests to halt the inappropriate and illegal behavior were allegedly ignored by Peck and Nunez. Her complaints to supervisors, some of whom allegedly observed the sexual harassment and laughed at it, were allegedly dismissed or ignored. Overall, the suit states this created a hostile work environment.
“We hope that this suit will not just rectify the wrongs done to our client, but will also remind other employers to ensure a safe work environment, free of illegal discrimination and harassment,” says Kenneth Katz, attorney for the victim. The complaint states the plaintiff was terminated without cause, allegedly in retaliation for calling attention to the sexual harassment and hostile work environment.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory, emotional distress, and punitive damages, along with lost pay and any other damages.
Ink Master is nearing its fourth season and is Spike’s highest-rated show. Hosted by musician Dave Navarro, who was not named in the complaint, the show follows 10 tattoo artists as they compete for a $100K prize.
