BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, a former employee of Russell Salvatore accused the restaurant owner of sexual harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination.
According to the lawsuit, the defendant worked at Russell's Steaks, Chops, & More from 2015 until 2023. The defendant described the work environment as "abusive and sexually hostile".
The 20-page suit claims that Salvatore made several sexual and misogynistic comments at the defendant during her time of employment, including asking for sexual favors.
The complaint was filed by Buffalo Attorney Lindy Korn on behalf of her client. I spoke with Korn by phone on Thursday.
“The complaint speaks for itself. There is a pattern of behavior described in the complaint. The complaint — these are allegations they have to be proven,” replied Korn. “I would say that a hostile work environment based on sexual harassment sort of screams out from the complaint. and also the idea that there's a pattern of this behavior, which is very important in proving claims such as these."
This lawsuit was brought against Salvatore, Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More, and Salvatore's business partner Mark Jerge.
The suit claims Salvatore made several “sexual" and "misogynistic comments “about the woman, including asking "for sexual favors."
“Do you believe, and have you heard are others any others couldn't come forward with anything like this against him?” asked Buckley. “If I could answer that I think I’d be a magician. But the point is when you read the complaint that you know usually in cases where there is sexual harassment, it doesn't happen just once,” responded Korn.
Salvatore is a popular philanthropist, who continues to share his wealth with our community, giving funding for many causes and organizations including donating money to help rebuild the Boys and Girls Club in Depew destroyed by fire that now bears his name.
“Given his popularity — his philanthropy work, does this make this easier or more difficult in stating your case?” Buckley questioned.
“I think it's complex human behavior, and you can be a great philanthropist and you also can have power and use that power in different ways and that's the heart of sexual harassment, so he can indeed be both,” remarked Korn.
I did reach out to Salvatore for comment, and he told me these allegations are “false" but he declined an on-camera interview.
7 News received the following statement from Russell Salvatore in response to the lawsuit:
Recently I was shocked, saddened, and disappointed to learn that an employee who had been with me for over 9 years has decided to file a lawsuit against me. I believe the lawsuit is in retaliation for a policy change that was implemented involving her and associate bartenders that she didn’t agree with. The letter I received from her and her attorney was, in my opinion, an attempt to extort me for $1.5 million dollars. I felt that their message was clear - pay up or they will make the allegations public – and by doing so try to ruin my reputation.
My answer is equally clear - Go right ahead!
I have seen what has been going on in this world, and after being around for 91 years, it is really a shame. I cannot believe that someone can, after working 9 years making full-time money for part-time work, quit a great job and then come back two months later and make such allegations against her employer. The lawyers know the buzz words to get a reaction, and thus their inflated complaints cover just about everything under the sun. Her co-workers have expressed the same disbelief in her actions.
So here I am, mortified to even have my name associated with such nonsense. However, I will not just buckle to threats.
I have been here for this City for many years and in many different ways, and will continue to do so for as long as I live. I will get through this. Thank you for your time, your support and your continued patronage.
I asked the woman's attorney to comment on Salvatore’s response in calling the accusations “false."
“How I respond to that is, is typical in any case, especially cases where you're claiming sexual harassment, and this case has to be proven. we have to prove certain things and if you do the other side, their best to counter so I think his claim is responses is expected,” Korn answered.
Among some of the claims in the suit, the woman said Salvatore told her that he used to make female employees give him “sexual favors” to get hired. She also claims that when he would introduce bar customers to her, he would state that if they “stay long enough” she would “get naked” by midnight.
The suit also accuses the restaurant owner of failing to give female employees breaks. She also alleges that he called her his “slave." The complaint also outlines remarks she is claiming he made after she became engaged and that he stated to her “The only people that get married are pregnant.”
