A California woman is suing a posh golf club, alleging that while working as a beverage cart attendant, she was sexually harassed, propositioned, and forced to drink beer and take drugs.
Orange County Register reported that Peyton Stover, 26, is seeking more than $15 million from the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, California, where she was hired in 2019.
The defendants in her complaint, which was filed last week in Orange County Superior Court, are former supervisor James Poper, manager Mitchel Queen, and the club’s parent business, ClubCorp.
Stover relocated from Washington state to join the 128-acre golf club as a beverage cart attendant, where she was supposed to foster relationships, assist in the retention of wealthy members, and deliver refreshments to them.
According to the lawsuit, however, things got off to a problematic start when Poper asked her during the interview if she had “thick skin” and could “keep her mouth shut.”
Peyton Stover, a 26-year-old former employee of the upscale Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, California, has filed a lawsuit against the club for more than $15 million.
According to the lawsuit, “Plaintiff did not know what to make of these comments at the time and merely disregarded them.”
According to the lawsuit, a few months later, an unidentified member began sexually harassing and assaulting the woman, including forcing her into a golf cart and bending her over in a sexual manner.
Stover claims she was sexually abused by wealthy golfers while working as a beverage cart attendant at a country club.
Facebook/Stover Peyton
When she complained to Poper that she was being objectified, he allegedly said, “Being objectified always makes you more money,” adding that he would not intervene because golfers paid a significant amount of money to join the club.
“Plaintiff understood this to mean that members could treat Old Ranch employees however they wished without repercussions or recourse, and that Old Ranch condoned, ratified, and even encouraged this conduct as part of its business model to generate profits,” the suit allegedly reads.
Stover reportedly claims that Poper flirted with her and inquired what color underwear she was wearing, prompting her to turn to the manager in hopes that he would interfere.
“On each occasion, Queen simply confirmed that he was aware that Poper had sexually harassed other female Old Ranch employees and that his behavior was creepy,” according to the alleged affidavit.
“However, he took no action against Poper to stop this behavior,” the report continues.
According to the lawsuit, Stover feared reprisal and termination if she continued to speak about the sordid episodes because “the atmosphere at Old Ranch was that the club members’ wants trumped Old Ranch’s legal obligations to its employees.”
The suit claims that one golfer regularly texted her, grabbed her, kissed her without her permission, and sent her advertisements for sex goods.
A member is reported to have told Stover that he would pay $300 to see her breasts, pulled her blouse in front of other members, and poured alcohol on her.
The news site acquired a text message reportedly sent to her that stated, “When you spread those legs, it kills me. I need to see you in action, princess. Help me. You’ll get a huge tip.”
Raymond Babaian, Stover’s attorney, stated that she did not report the alleged attack to authorities because she feared being victimized again.
“It’s reprehensible. When in a position of management, you must defend employees and investigate concerns. “Those at Old Ranch failed miserably and actually doubled down on their efforts,” he told the Register.
Stover stated that she eventually left and became a yoga instructor, but that the incident caused her to become sad and begin drinking.
“It was the most traumatic experience I’ve ever had,” she stated, according to the article. “After leaving Old Ranch, it took me a whole year to feel stronger. It severely damaged my sense of self-worth.”
The club’s website states: “Since its founding in 1967, Old Ranch Country Club has exemplified the quintessential Southern California lifestyle. Old Ranch is more than just a country club; it is a vibrant and friendly setting for your life to unfold.
The Register said that Popper could not be reached for comment.
Frank Herrera, the general manager of Old Ranch, emailed the newspaper that he could not comment on pending lawsuit.
The Texas-based company ClubCorp did not respond to the Register’s emails and phone calls.
The Post has reached out for comment to Queen.
»Ex-golf club beverage cart attendant claims rich members sexually harassed her«