Michael Reid is taking a legal stand against anti-gay bullying.
A former waiter of now-closed Cibo Matto at the Wit, Reid has filed a complaint in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging he was subjected to workplace bullying because he is gay.
Reid is represented by lawyer Betty Tsamis of the Tsamis Law Firm in Chicago.
Reid's complaint chronicles a history of offensive and demeaning comments and ridicule to which he was allegedly subjected by Cibo Matto's former executive chef, Todd Stein, and sous chef Rusty Kook. According to the complaint, the comments and ridicule interfered with Reid's ability to carry out his job duties, Tsamis said.
Reid reportedly endured months of ridicule and one time watched as a male co-worker simulated oral sex with a loaf of bread, implying this is what Reid did.
Reid complained to his direct supervisor, John Schadl.
"I endured horrible and cruel comments on a daily basis," Reid said. "I was mocked, made fun of and imitated because I am gay. These actions caused me to be depressed and unable to concentrate at work. I brought this complaint so that nobody else has to endure this type of workplace harassment."
Schadl, in turn, complained to upper management about Stein's alleged behavior. Schadl then became the target of bullying and ridicule, accused of trying to protect Reid because the two were having a sexual relationship, which was false, according to the complaint.
Wit management fired Schadl during the period in which he complained about Stein's alleged treatment of Reid.
Reid ultimately was terminated for an alleged rule infraction.
Stein and Kook are now with Florentine. Stein has participated in the popular cooking show Iron Chef America.
The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) prohibits harassment, discrimination in the workplace because of an employee's sexual orientation. The IHRA also prohibits retaliation, such as discipline and termination, because an employee has filed a complaint of harassment and/or discrimination.
"Mr. Reid's complaint stands for the principle that bullying in the workplace is an unacceptable and unlawful form of workplace harassment," Tsamis said.
Reid, who lives in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, is now in grad school for nursing at DePaul University. The damages sought are to be determined, Tsamis said.
"As a civilized society, we have to draw a clear, legal boundary that bullying behavior is not OK. It harms people and it harms of our communities," Tsamis said.
Reid added, "What happened really hurt me for a while, a long while, and it really messed with me. Some people may not have had the resolve and conviction I did to stand up for themselves. If I can tell anyone who is being bullied anything it is this: you are worthy as a person and you must stand up to bullies."
