A former employee of Rachael Ray's company is now suing, claiming that his supervisor repeatedly exhibited "hostile behavior" and made "vile," discriminatory and hurtful comments about his eating disorder.According to court papers, accountant Aaron Ferguson was subjected to comments including, "Anorexics are sick in the head," and, "Anorexics should not be able to work." Rachael Ray is not named in the suit.
Dealing with an eating disordered colleague can be challenging. But you know what else is tough? Having an eating disorder and going to work knowing that people are probably talking about you and making judgments. Either way, blatant harassment doesn't really seem like a good solution for anyone.
Oh, and to add insult to injury, E! Online posted this headline: "Former Rachael Ray Employee Trims Fat, Loses Job." Note to E!: We're all for wordplay, but mocking a life-threatening illness is beyond tacky. [AP]
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I wrote about this too, and the news article I link to inserted a "Celebrity with Eating Disorders" photo gallery link right in the middle of the story. What relevance does this have other than to gawk at celebs with psychological issues and further glamorize eating disorders?
I also faced workplace harassment and discrimination at my job due to time off needed to treat my eating disorder. I was eventually fired for some silly reason, so I really empathize with Ferguson and I'm glad he's bring suit against the company. If he's successful, it sets a precedent for the rest of us who have or will have the same issues.
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