Feds sue Orlando restaurant Christini’s

Bartender claims sexual harassment

The federal government filed a sexual harassment suit against Orlando Italian restaurant Christini’s Ristorante Italiano Thursday after a former female bartender said she was told to “dress sexy” and was described as single and available to customers.

The lawsuit brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which names owner Chris Christini. In the suit, Jameslyn Marcisz, 34, said she was fired in 2017 after complaining about the behavior to Christini.

The suit seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages.

“Christini’s is a company that is committed, by policy and ethical commitment, to a diverse workforce free from harassment and discrimination of any kind,” said a statement from Christini’s lawyer Jessica DeBono Anderson. “Christini’s and Mr. Christini do not tolerate sexual harassment in the restaurant and any such complaints are taken very seriously.”

“Christini’s does not retaliate against any employees, including those who report harassment,’’ the statement added. “We are confident that based on the facts and evidence, Christini’s will be cleared of any alleged wrongdoing.”

In the suit, the EEOC also said Marcisz was subject to sexual innuendo, was repeatedly asked to go on dates and told to dress “date ready.”

“Federal law guarantees employees the right to be free from sexual harassment in the workplace and not be subjected to retaliation when employees complain of the harassment and ask that it stop,” said a statement from Robert Weisberg, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Miami District. ”It is, therefore, incumbent upon employers to ensure complaints of sexual harassment are taken seriously and handled appropriately. The law is clear that nothing less will be tolerated.”

The EEOC said it sued Christini’s after failing to come to a settlement.

Christini’s Ristorante Italiano has been a fine-dining mainstay on Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road since it opened in 1984. It has hosted many celebrity guests from Arnold Palmer to Mick Jagger. It’s known for its high-end Italian offerings.