According to the amended complaint filed in April, Bacon reported to human resources that she felt she was being treated unfairly because she was undergoing gender transition at the time. Bacon said the company failed to investigate her discrimination claims and as such never did anything about the purported hostile work environment, but did terminate her in May 2023 over the CBD vape pen.
Bacon said other, cisgender employees had shown up to work high in the past and received no more than a verbal warning. She said she was being “singled out” and given disparate treatment because of her gender identity. Bacon’s withdrawal filing did not elaborate on why she was pulling out of her suit.
The suit sought damages for lost wages and employment along with emotional distress, as well as an order awarding Bacon attorney fees and costs. In its answer to her amended complaint, Rise Branford said it treated her the same as all its other employees and that terminating her was “for legitimate and lawful business purposes.”
