A woman is suing an Australian cruise line after a staff member called her a 'cougar,' among some other comments during an on board talent show. She is suing P&O Cruises, claiming sexual harassment.
In November, Kate Strahan, 50, was on P&O Cruises' Pacific Jewel when she decided to showcase her talents during an on board singing competition. Strahan wore a strapless, leopard print dress as she impersonated Tina Turner to sing "River Deep, Mountain High." However, one of the staff judges had more to say about her appearance than her singing abilities.
One of the judges, British entertainer Rory Healey told Strahan that he could see her underwear through her dress. He also made comments about her breasts and told her that she "could cougar him any time."
Healey also allegedly kissed and fondled the image of Strahan on a screen. While Healey thought his behavior and comments were humorous and entertaining for the audience of 1,2000, Strahan wasn't laughing.
"I could not believe or understand how such a thing could happen. As a mother and a grandmother Rory's actions were absolutely abhorrent for a man of his age and he should know better as a cruise entertainer," Strahan said, as quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald.
Strahan claims that she is so stressed over thinking about Healey's behavior that she can't even work. Now she's suing the cruise company. She is seeking more than $1 million in damages.
P&O Cruises is trying to have the suit dismissed. They claim that while the comments were in poor taste, Strahan and her husband received an apology and Healey's contract has not been renewed as punishment.
"While there is disagreement surrounding the allegation, any incident of this nature is unfortunate and does not reflect the high standard of staff behavior and passenger service offered across our ships," a statement said according to NBC. "Like any other organization facing private civil litigation, particularly where a claim is excessive as in this case, we will consider our legal options."
The cruise line is arguing that the claim is not valid as the event took place in international waters, outside the jurisdiction of the Australian courts. Because of this, the sexual harassment laws do not apply.
The case will return to court on Sept. 21.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
