KANSAS CITY, Mo. (CN) - Mayor Mark Funkhouser and his wife, Gloria Squitiro, say they are the victims - not the woman who accuses them of racial and sexual discrimination. Ruth Bates sued the mayor, his wife and the city in June. Bates, who is black, says Squitiro called her "Mammy."
Squitiro and Funkhouser's homeowners insurance company agreed to settle the case for $45,000, but the case is proceeding against the mayor and city.
In separate, recently released depositions, the couple denies Bates' allegations.
"I do feel this minute sitting here today as if I were the aggrieved party," Funkhouser testified. "I feel like I have had my name ... drug through the mud over something that did not occur."
Squitiro testified that she jokingly used sexual innuendo in the mayor's office, but denied making any racial or sexual slurs.
Follow @@joeharris_stl
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.
Additional Reads
-
Federal judge rules against Texas in border barrier lawsuit against DHS November 30, 2023
-
-
FTC vs Facebook November 27, 2023 -
