U.S retailer Wet Seal is facing federal charges of racism by several former employees. The ex-managers filed a race discrimination lawsuit on Thursday against the company, claiming a manager was made to hire more white employees or be fired.
The lawsuit alleges that various forms of racism occurred within the company. For example, former senior vice president, Barbara Bachman, is accused of sending emails to lower level managers complaining about how black employees "dominate" many of the Wet Seal stores and in turn called this a "huge issue."
Former manager Nicole Cogdell told the Times she lost her job following then- senior vice president's email.
Codgell also supposedly heard Bachman say that she'd prefer employees with "blond hair and blue eyes." Codgell claims she was replaced by a white employee with less experience and who earned a higher pay.
Former manager, Kai Hawkins said her district manager recommended she hire more white employees or she would lose her job.
Both Codgell and Hawkins are African American. Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Cherry Hill, who worked in a New Jersey store and Myriam Saint-Hilaire, who worked at a King of Prussia location.
Wet Seal issued a statement saying that it is an equal opportunity employer with a diverse workforce.
"We deny any and all allegations of race discrimination and will vigorously defend this matter," the company said.
The ex-managers are hoping the case turns into a class-action suit and are seeking back pay and benefits as well as punitive damages.
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