LOS ANGELES (CN) - A former sales director for Screenvision Cinema Network claims he was fired for refusing to dine alone with female clients because of his Christian beliefs. Josh Swartz says he believes it's inappropriate for married men to "break bread" with another woman in a one-on-one setting.
John Swartz says he brought a co-worker to meet a female client for lunch at an upscale Beverly Hills restaurant. A few weeks later, he was written up, ostensibly for his lack of performance, according to his lawsuit in Superior Court.
He claims he was told he failed to provide "adequate revenue generation" or to "nurture client relationships." His bosses at Screenvision allegedly gave him a 30-day sales goal of $950,000, which he easily surpassed. When he achieved more than $1.7 million in sales, Swartz's supervisor told him he was "in the clear" and the "slate would be wiped clean," the suit claims.
But less than two weeks later, Swartz says he was fired "for his failure to entertain clients of the opposite sex in a one-on-one environment."
He claims the company discriminated against him based on his religious beliefs.
He wants Screenvision to pay him more than $80,000 in unpaid commissions, plus actual and punitive damages. He is represented by D. Jay Ritt with Bensinger, Ritt, Tai & Thvedt LLP.
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