Croydon, England – A woman in Kent, England, who experienced seizures has successfully pursued a harassment claim against her boss for sending her a derogatory photo from the movie “The Exorcist.” Charlene Friend, a housing officer, disclosed that her manager, Lisa Gilbert, dubbed her as ‘Regan,’ referencing the possessed child from the 1973 horror film. Friend, who suffered a head injury from a violent assault, expressed feeling belittled and distressed by the nickname assigned to her by her colleague.
Moreover, Friend, a Christian, shared that the insinuation of having an ‘evil spirit’ within her had a lasting psychological impact. The employment tribunal also revealed that Gilbert made disparaging remarks about individuals with mental health issues, dismissing them as ‘attention seekers.’ Friend was eventually signed off from work due to her seizures and was later terminated from her job after an extended absence.
The tribunal’s ruling emphasized the inappropriateness and distress caused by Gilbert’s behavior towards Friend. Judge Philip Tsamados stated that the name-calling and the circulation of disturbing images were offensive and unacceptable, particularly coming from a superior. The tribunal recognized the emotional toll that such actions took on Friend, especially in the midst of her health challenges.
Despite Friend’s victory in the claims for disability discrimination, harassment, and failure to provide reasonable accommodations, she ultimately faced dismissal on health-related grounds. The compensation for her ordeal will be determined at a later date, as she seeks justice for the unjust treatment she endured in the workplace. The case sheds light on the importance of workplace sensitivity and respect towards individuals facing health struggles, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in professional settings.