Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Workplace Harassment Could Be An Issue in "Femme Fatales" Lawsuit

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: April 23, 2014

Key Contacts

Back

Actress, Anne Greene, and Time Warner’s HBO division are currently in a legal battle

The cause? Greene’s choice to not perform a topless sex scene on set. We previously discussed the potential breach of contract in this situation, but there are other issues, such as workplace harassment, that we should touch on.

HBO
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Greene claims she was “bullied into performing nude scenes, sexually harassed and placed in a dangerous work environment” during the filming of an episode of “Femme Fatales” for Cinemax.

Unlawful Harassment

To better understand this situation, it is important to become aware of the two types of unlawful harassment:

  • Quid Pro Quo harassment – According to the Department of Labor, this type of harassment is generally made by someone who can make or recommend decisions such as termination, demotion or denial of promotion. One example could be if a supervisor demotes an employee for refusing to be sexually cooperative.
  • Hostile work environment harassment – This type of harassment can occur when unwelcome conduct of supervisors, co-workers, customers or contractors is present. This is probably where Greene’s complaint falls, as she said unnecessary personnel were on set watching her nude scene.

To violate harassment laws, conduct must be unwelcome and based on the victim’s protected status. Secondly, the conduct must be subjectively abusive to the person impacted and objectively severe and pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would find hostile or abusive.

There is no telling where this case is headed, but if Greene is able to prove the above criteria she could be able to recoup damages from Time Warner’s HBO division.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities post image

The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities

On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities"
Common Legal Mistakes NYC and New Jersey Business Owners Make post image

Common Legal Mistakes NYC and New Jersey Business Owners Make

Operating a business in the New Jersey and New York City metropolitan region offers incredible opportunities, but it also requires navigating a dense and highly regulated legal environment. From entity formation to regulatory compliance, seemingly minor legal oversights can expose business owners to significant risk. In our work with businesses throughout the region, our attorneys […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Common Legal Mistakes NYC and New Jersey Business Owners Make"
What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits post image

What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits

High-profile founder litigation is more than just a media spectacle. For startup founders, these cases underscore the legal and structural risks that can arise when rapid growth outpaces formal oversight. While launching a new company can be both an exciting and deeply rewarding endeavor, founders must be mindful that it also comes with significant risks. […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits"
Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies post image

Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies

Every New Jersey company should periodically evaluate its governance framework. Strong corporate governance protects directors and officers, builds investor confidence, reduces litigation exposure, and positions a company for sustainable growth. The first quarter of the year is a great time to evaluate your corporate governance practices and perform any routine maintenance needed to keep that […]

Author: Ken Hollenbeck

Link to post with title - "Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies"
What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights post image

What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights

Being served with a lawsuit is one of the most stressful legal events a business or individual can face. Whether the claim involves a contract dispute, an employment matter, an intellectual property issue, or another legal challenge, the actions you take in the first few days can significantly shape the outcome of your case. Acting […]

Author: Robert E. Levy

Link to post with title - "What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights"
Will 2026 Be a Banner Year for SPACs? Understanding the Risks and Opportunities post image

Will 2026 Be a Banner Year for SPACs? Understanding the Risks and Opportunities

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) continue to gain momentum as we move through 2026. After enduring a significant contraction following the 2021 boom and the regulatory scrutiny that followed, SPAC activity rebounded sharply in 2025 and now carries forward into 2026 with real momentum. The SPAC resurgence reflects broader improvements in both market conditions and the […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Will 2026 Be a Banner Year for SPACs? Understanding the Risks and Opportunities"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!