Asia-Pacific

Woman lodges multi-million dollars sexual harassment claim

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-08-02 17:10

SYDNEY, Australia -- The woman at the center of sexual harassment claiming against ex-David Jones Chief Executive Mark McInnes is suing the retailer for more than 35 million Australian dollars (US$32 million), The Australian reported on Monday.

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In a statement of claim lodged in the Federal Court on Monday, Kristy Fraser-Kirk demands David Jones pay her punitive damages of 5 percent of the company's profits while Mr McInnes was chief executive from 2003 to this year.

The former company publicist is also demanding 5 percent of McInnes's total 34.5 million Australian dollars (US$31 million) pay and benefits in that period.

Fraser-Kirk, 25, alleges in the document that McInnes made "unwelcome sexual advances" towards her on at least two occasions.

Fraser-Kirk said she would pay any damages to "a charity assisting persons in the area of sexual harassment and bullying."

In response, David Jones said the company and board of directors will "defend the claims vigorously".