A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major retail corporation, alleging severe and ongoing workplace discrimination and harassment. On September 12, 2024, Artemis Cooke filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Wal-Mart Associates, Inc.
Artemis Cooke, who identifies as a transgender woman, claims that she faced sex-based and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation during her employment at Wal-Mart from June 27, 2016, until her termination on June 3, 2024. The complaint outlines numerous instances where Cooke was subjected to inappropriate behavior and derogatory comments by her coworkers and supervisors after she began her transition from male to female in August 2023. Despite reporting these incidents to Human Resources and the company's Ethics Hotline multiple times, no corrective action was taken.
Cooke's allegations include specific instances of harassment by a male manager named Rodrigo who would uncomfortably position himself behind her while she worked. She also faced bullying from several male coworkers who mocked her gender identity and referred to her with derogatory terms such as "shemale." These actions created a hostile work environment that significantly impacted Cooke's emotional well-being.
In addition to the hostile work environment claims, Cooke alleges that false accusations of sexual harassment were fabricated by the same coworkers who had been bullying her. These false allegations led to her termination on June 3, 2024. Cooke asserts that this termination was not only based on these fabricated claims but also served as retaliation for her repeated complaints about gender-based harassment and discrimination.
The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief including back pay with interest, compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress and financial harm suffered due to loss of income and benefits. Additionally, Cooke is requesting reasonable attorneys' fees and costs associated with the case.
Representing Artemis Cooke is attorney Chad W. Eisenback from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while the Case ID is: 1:24-cv-08357.