Couple Files Lawsuit Against Disneyland After Being Banned from Club 33
Couple Files Lawsuit Against Disneyland After Being Banned from Club 33
A Los Angeles couple that was banned from Disneyland’s pricey and private Club 33 has filed a lawsuit against the park saying they faced retaliation for criticizing sexual harassment and other issues that occurred as a result of new management. According to a report in The Orange County Register, Scott and Diana Anderson say that they were forced out so the exclusive club could bring in more new members and charge them more with fewer benefits. But Disneyland issued a statement saying the couple’s membership was terminated because of multiple rule violations.
Hostile Environment Alleged
Club 33 is a pretty well-known secret in Disneyland. An exclusive, private club, it’s located behind an unmarked door in New Orleans Square. It has a dining room and a lounge and is a retreat for those who are willing to pay the premium price. There’s a waiting list to join and initiation fees are about $50,000. Annual dues add up to $15,000. The Andersons filed a breach of contract lawsuit saying that they purchased an executive membership that includes the right to go to use all of the club’s amenities.
The lawsuit goes on to say that the new management last year created a hostile environment that led to sanctions against the couple for complaining about what they perceived as wrongful treatment of guests. Scott Anderson, for example, sent an email to management after seeing a member verbally attack a terminally ill fellow Club 33 member. But it was the Andersons who got the suspension letter.
The lawsuit also alleged that the plaintiffs were targeted because they complained to management about sexual harassment by members against club employees including groping. According to the lawsuit, the couple was banned from the club and their membership was revoked.
Disturbing Allegations
The allegations regarding the treatment of the club’s employees by guests are alarming, particularly in the current environment when women from all walks of life are coming forward to tell their stories about sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the workplace. The Andersons will probably have their day in court or the lawsuit could settle even before it reaches a courtroom.
Regardless, we hope that the outcome, in this case, helps shed the light on the truth. If the allegations regarding sexual harassment are with merit, we hope the employees at the club are able to exercise their rights and get the protections they need.
