OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Records reveal a former legislative assistant and her attorneys were paid $44,500 to settle a sexual harassment complaint against a state representative, according to an Oklahoma newspaper.
Hollie Anne Bishop said Republican Rep. Dan Kirby began sexually harassing her shortly after she started working for him in January 2015. She said she was fired without an explanation Nov. 20, 2015, in retaliation for reporting the alleged harassment to the human resources director. Bishop stated she was not comfortable working with Kirby and wanted to be reassigned to another representative.
Kirby hasn't responded to the newspaper's repeated requests for comment over the past week. Kirby was re-elected in November.
Online records show Bishop accepted a more than $28,000 payment, and her attorneys accepted more than $16,000, The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/2hs0wV0 ) reported. Most legislators didn't know about the accusation or the settlement payments, which were made Nov. 22.
A written demand for compensation for the alleged harassment and termination had been made to the state House.
Bishop's attorney, Justin Meek, said the matter's been resolved.
"The only comment I can provide is that the matter has been resolved and concluded," Meek said Tuesday. "Ms. Bishop ... relocated from the Oklahoma City area, started a new career and is happy with her life. She is a great person with a bright future."
Reader Comments(0)