Gym, Tan, Groping? Jersey Shore Star Faces Sexual Harassment At Work

Angelina Pivarnick, a star on the reality TV show Jersey Shore, is suing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). When she is not on TV, Pivarnick serves as an EMT for FDNY. Her aunt, who was also an EMT, inspired her to become one. Pivarnick claims that she experienced a hostile work environment while in this role due to interactions with two supervisors between 2017 and 2018. Both supervisors are lieutenants within FDNY’s EMT Bureau. The lawsuit states that Pivarnick experienced “repeated and unwelcome sexual advances, degrading comments about her body, vulgar sexual comments, inappropriate questions about her private relationships and, in one instance, the groping of an intimate part of her body without her consent.”

Instances of Sexual Harassment towards Jersey Shore Star 

Pivarnick allegedly received several explicit texts from supervisors that amounted to her sexual harassment claim. For instance, one message that a supervisor sent her said “your a** looked amazing and I wish I wasn’t working or in uniform because I definitely would’ve kissed those amazing lips.” Another text message said, “That a**! If you only knew the thoughts in my mind.” In addition to these inappropriate messages, one supervisor grabbed and squeezed her buttocks in the parking lot outside the station. Pivarnick said that she made it clear to him that he should never touch her in that way. She came forward to the FDNY with these allegations of sexual harassment. She claims to have since received illegal retaliation from her former employer. A spokesman from the City Law Department said that it will review her case.

The Law Protects Victims of Sexual Harassment 

Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. If Pivarnick’s allegations are found to be true, she will have a serious case against her former employer. Illegal sexual harassment comes in many forms. For example, sexual harassment can include nonconsensual sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical sexual harassment. Both the harasser and victim can be either male or female. Generally, the law does not protect against one inappropriate sexual joke, as harassment must be so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment in order for it to be illegal. However, one severe incident, such as a physical sexual assault, can amount to a hostile or offensive work environment. No one should have to face sexual harassment in the workplace. If you are a victim of sexual harassment, you should speak to an experienced employment attorney. 

Seek Legal Assistance Today

If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, seek legal assistance today. The Working Solutions Law Firm, located in New York City, can assist you. Contact us today at (646) 430-7930 to schedule a free case evaluation and receive experienced legal counsel.