Sex harassment suit at Four Seasons in Westlake Village

The hotel's former lead massage therapist alleges in a lawsuit that he was demoted after complaining about favorable treatment being given to a masseuse who was romantically involved with the general manager. The suit accuses the hotel of retaliation for reporting sexual harassment, defamation and wrongful termination. From the LAT:

John B. Henning said he was instructed in August 2009 to make sure that certain massage therapists were not paid more than a masseuse who "was engaging in a romantic relationship" with general manager Thomas Gurtner. Henning said he refused to comply with the instructions and instead told the hotel's assistant human resources director that Gurtner was favoring the woman. One month later, Henning alleged, he was demoted and "constructively terminated" from his job. Henning said a supervisor explained that the hotel wanted "to move forward with a more positive team."