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The legal team for Erin Johnson says her agency's parent company, WPP, is trying to downplay offensive behavior by ousted JWT CEO Gustavo Martinez while also tacitly discouraging other potential whistleblowers from stepping forward.
The agency holding company's response to Johnson's claims of discrimination by Martinez, her lawyers say, sends the message that "if you complain of discrimination, you will be attacked publicly, be branded as a liar and ostracized."
The strong words continue an ongoing battle in the legal system and the court of public opinion dating back to March, when Johnson, JWT's global communications director, filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination, harassment and a hostile work environment stemming from Martinez's allegedly frequent and negative comments about women, minorities and Jews.
After initially standing behind Martinez, WPP hired an independent investigative agency soon after the allegations came to light.
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