Lawsuit Filed Against NFL Enterprises for Dropping the Ball on Reports of Sexual Misconduct by Eric Davis

By Matthew McNicholas | July 24, 2018

– Complaint alleges NFLE was negligent in mishandling a former makeup artist’s reports of sexual assault and harassment by Eric Davis, leading to dangerous confrontation at work –

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles based trial firms McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP and the Law Office of Jeffrey R. Lamb have filed a lawsuit against NFL Enterprises, LLC (NFLE) and Eric Davis on behalf of freelance makeup artist, Erin McParland, who was allegedly subjected to ongoing sexual assault and harassment while she was employed by NFLE, by current and former on-air talent, including Eric Davis.

The lawsuit alleges the following:

  • McParland endured multiple unwanted sexual advances by Davis and severe acts of physical assault, including but not limited to:
    • Davis sending McParland inappropriate messages via Instagram messaging;
    • Davis making suggestive comments about McParland’s flexibility;
    • Davis making suggestive remarks about a potential relationship that were laced with sexual innuendos;
    • Davis forcing his genitals against McParland and rubbing his genitals on her leg; and
    • Davis hugging McParland and grabbing her buttocks despite being asked to keep his “hands off.”
  • Despite multiple complaints of sexual harassment and sexual assault to the NFLE’s Human Resources Department, the NFLE allowed for continued interactions between McParland and Davis.
  • The NFLE only took action against Davis when another female employee made complaints of sexual misconduct.
  • The NFLE failed to fulfill their assurances to McParland that she would be protected and that Davis would be escorted off the property, resulting in a confrontation between the two and Davis threatening McParland.

“The NFLE has a duty to protect the people that work for them and unfortunately, not only was McParland subject to sexual assault, but her complaints weren’t taken seriously,” said Matthew McNicholas, Partner at McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP. “Equally disappointing is the NFLE’s failure to properly handle Davis’ departure, causing Erin further danger and distress.”

Background

Erin McParland began work as a freelance makeup artist for NFL Enterprises, LLC in 2014 and had been immediately warned by another female employee of the exceptionally aggressive and inappropriate behavior by the talent. Throughout her time with the NFLE, McParland allegedly endured multiple unwanted sexual advances by Davis and severe acts of physical assault. Many of these complaints included, but are not limited to, Davis allegedly sending McParland inappropriate messages via Instagram messaging, commenting on her flexibility, making suggestive remarks about a potential relationship that were laced with sexual innuendos and unwanted hugging that involved forcing his genitals against McParland’s leg.

McParland complained to the NFLE’s Human Resources Department regarding the unsolicited advances made by Davis. The lawsuit states that the NFLE only moved forward with disciplinary action against Davis after another female employee also made a complaint against him. Based on the allegations against him, Davis was asked to quietly resign from his employment with the NFLE. After having this conversation with the Human Resources Department, it is alleged that Davis aggressively confronted McParland in the makeup room, despite McParland’s request that the Human Resources Department speak with Davis when she was not scheduled to work, as well as multiple assurances from HR personnel that she would be protected and that Davis would be escorted off the property. The NFLE has since apologized for the “mishandled situation.”

Furthermore, due to the NFLE’s failure to properly reprimand Davis for his multiple acts of sexual misconduct, it is alleged that he was able to secure employment with ESPN, where the NFLE knew McParland also worked as a freelance makeup artist, placing her at risk for further harassment.

###

McNicholas & McNicholas, a Los Angeles-based plaintiff’s trial law firm, represents clients in the areas of catastrophic personal injury, employment law, class actions, sexual abuse and other consumer-oriented matters such as civil rights, aviation disasters and product liability. Founded by a family of attorneys spanning three generations, McNicholas & McNicholas has been trying cases to jury verdict on behalf of their clients for more than five decades.

McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP

10866 Wilshire Blvd.

Suite 1400

Los Angeles, CA 90024

Phone: 866-664-3055

Fax: 310-475-7871

www.mcnicholaslaw.com

  

Law Office of Jeffrey R. Lamb, a Los Angeles-based plaintiff’s trial law firm, represents clients in matters involving catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death and employment law. Over the past 10 years, the Law Office of Jeffrey R. Lamb has helped victims recover millions of dollars in compensation for their losses, as well as successfully bring claims against employers when wronged at work.

Law Office of Jeffrey R. Lamb

11704 Wilshire Blvd.

 Suite 245

Los Angeles, CA 90025

Phone: 800-491-9157

Related Articles

Posted in Press Releases