Playboy Sex Bias Trial Moves to Psychiatrist

LOS ANGELES (CN) - In a trial sex discrimination trial against Playboy Entertainment Group, a former broadcasting operator testified that after she appealed to her human resources director for help, she continued to be on the receiving end of comments like "fat pig" and "slut."

The plaintiff Julie Crouch said Playboy management retaliated after her complaint.

"So, you're saying that on December 2005 review with nice comments is a retaliation?" asked Jason Mills with Morgan Lewis & Bockius who is representing Playboy.

Crouch's lawyer Mark Joseph Valencia then brought in his next witness Dr. Scott Carder, Crouch's psychiatrist.

Carder testified that after multiple psychology test, he diagnosed her with post traumatic stress disorder.

"In my opinion, she's suffering from three psychological disorder: post traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder and continued stress disorder," Carder said. "Julie Crouch from my opinion suffered from some serious physical problems ... exacerbated by the psychological stressors that occurred at her workplace. There were also some psychological stressor at her place."

Moreover, Carder claimed that Crouch's post traumatic stress disorder happened because of the negative work environment Crouch was forced to work in. He also added that she continues to suffer from depression.

"She doesn't feel like she's protected," Carder said.

During Carder's cross-examination, Carder agreed when defendants' lawyer Barbara Fitzgerald with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius asked that the psychological test he used to determine Crouch's psychological state had only marginal validity because Crouch held herself in an over positive light.

"OCD and schizophrenic antisocial avoidance disorder - so the psychology test showed that, correct?" Fitzgerald asked. "And it suggests that she actually had an avoidance personality to begin with?"

Carder disagreed with her, saying that Fitzgerald was over interpreting the psychological test.

Did you see any record of her seeking any sort of assistance regarding mental health disorder? Fitzgerald asked.

Carder answered no.

Fitzgerald also asked Carder if this trial would cause Crouch significant stress, on top of all the stress she experienced with her home and work life. Carder agreed that this trial would add more to her stress.

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