A Former Employee Is Suing the Liquor Store for Sexual Harassment | Eater Portland

"At this Southeast Portland bar and music venue, former employees describe years of persistent sexual harassment by investor Cooper DuBois and repeated managerial inaction. Charlotte McCaslin’s complaint recounts a pattern beginning in November 2017 of DuBois repeatedly hugging and kissing her, and alleges managers failed to stop it; she resigned in February 2020 and is suing DuBois and the bar for $750,000, citing a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and owners’ vicarious liability, and also says DuBois repeatedly misgendered her. Elizabeth Elder, who booked shows, alleges that on July 4, 2019 DuBois intentionally and forcefully grabbed an intimate part of her body below the waist without warning or permission and is suing for $1 in nominal damages to keep the focus on accountability. Employees say they raised complaints “dozens” of times and that several staff left in 2019; an anonymous former manager and DJ Ben Fuller similarly reported complaints and departures, and current employees say DuBois reneged on a promised relief donation — claiming the money must now go to legal fees. Staff say management’s response was often to shrug it off with the line “Cooper will be Cooper.” The owners, including Ray Morrone, and DuBois have not responded to repeated requests for comment, and the bar is currently closed." - Alex Frane