Summary: Shaun White’s former bandmate has accused him of sexual harassing her.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White has been accused of hitting the waves of creepdom. The skateboarder and snowboarder has been sued by a woman who said his lewdness included penis pics, sexy clothing, and watching poop porn.
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According to TMZ, Lena Zawaideh was a drummer in White’ rock band which was formed in 2008, and she said that she was fired in 2014 and that he owes her up to $42,000 in back payments. However, now she is seeking punitive damages as well.
Zawaideh said that she joined White’s band in 2008 and was told she would be paid $3750/a month. She said that things turned ugly in 2013 when White allegedly forced the band to follow him around the country while he trained for the Olympics.
Even more alarming than working for free was the allegedly toxic environment the only female bandmate had to endure. Zawaideh said that in the seven years she worked with White, she saw his “darker, misogynistic personality.” She claimed that he sent her dick pics and forced her to watch a hardcore porn called “Church of Fudge” that involved religious imagery and fecal matter.
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Zawaideh also claimed White once stuck his hands down his pants and asked her to smell his hands and that he tried to kiss her in 2010 at a Halloween party. Additionally, Zawaideh said White tried to control her image, ordering her to cut her hair and wear sexy outfits on stage. She claimed he got mad at her if she wore more conservative clothing like a sweater.
Zawaideh’s lawsuit was filed by attorney Lawrance Bohm. According to TMZ, the former drummer has texts backing up some of her claims.
“I am pursuing this case because women should not have to tolerate harassment at work. Shaun White should not be allowed to do whatever he wants just because he is famous. Although I am embarrassed to have been treated this way, I cannot sit by and watch him do this to other women,” Zawaideh said.
White has issued a statement acknowledging the texts’ authenticity but denying sexual harassment.
“Many years ago, I exchanged texts with a friend who is now using them to craft a bogus lawsuit,” White said to TMZ. “There is absolutely no coincidence to the timing of her claims, and we will defend them vigorously in court.”
White is being represented by Kerry Garvis Wright.
Do you think Zawaideh was sexually harassed or do you believe White? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: TMZ
Photo courtesy of Esquire