Woman sues IHOP, alleges harassment and discrimination

CHARLESTON - A former employee is suing IHOP after she claims she was harassed and discriminated against.

Sharp Holding Inc. is doing business as IHOP.

John Doe, an employee of IHOP, was also named as a defendant in the suit.

Erica Johnson was employed at IHOP until her employment was terminated, according to a complaint filed July 29 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Johnson claims Doe harassed her and caused her harm.

IHOP hired and/or retained Doe with knowledge that he was harassing her and causing her harm, according to the suit.

Johnson claims the defendants breached their contract with her by forcing her to leave employment due to harassment, outrageous conduct and discriminatory practices.

The defendants discriminated against Johnson for her sexual preference and violated its own policy, according to the suit.

Johnson is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by D. Adrian Hoosier II of the Hoosier Law Firm PLLC.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib Jr.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-1424