Lawsuit Claims Edgewood Country Club Facilitated Sexual Abuse at Workplace

Edgewood Country Club's Troubling Allegations

A disturbing new lawsuit has emerged, filed in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, claiming that Edgewood Country Club fostered a toxic workplace culture that not only tolerated but actively enabled sexual harassment and assault against female employees, including minors. The allegations, brought forth by former banquet server Kyra Vaughan, underline serious issues within the club, calling into question the management's response to complaints and the safety of its staff.

The lawsuit details Vaughan's harrowing experience, starting from the age of 17 when she began working in the club's environment. The complaint depicts a series of unsettling incidents involving harassment from a male colleague and the executive chef of the country club. Vaughan alleges that she was followed and filmed without her consent, subjected to unwanted physical contact and sexual comments while trying to perform her responsibilities at work.

The situation escalated during a child's birthday party on February 24, 2024, where Vaughan claims she was cornered by the executive chef. According to the lawsuit, during this confrontation, he attempted to force her into an elevator while making explicit threats and engaging in unwanted physical contact. Despite Vaughan's firm refusals, the chef allegedly persisted with his inappropriate actions.

The complaint rises in severity as it describes the chef cornering her again later that night in a walk-in cooler, where he made another sexual remark. Vaughan's story is not isolated; the lawsuit also highlights similar experiences reported by other female employees, many of whom felt compelled to leave their positions due to the ongoing harassment.

Despite receiving multiple complaints and warnings from managers about the chef's inappropriate behavior, Edgewood Country Club reportedly chose to ignore the situation, allowing the predatory behavior to continue unchecked. Instead of safeguarding its employees, the management seemingly prioritized elsewhere, showing negligence in addressing the worsening climate of harassment.

Kyra Vaughan expressed her determination to bring these issues to light, stating, "I was a young woman trying to earn a living, and instead I was violated and subjected to horrific harassment on the job. I'm coming forward not only to make sure the people responsible are held accountable, but also to protect other women—both employees and members at Edgewood Country Club—from experiencing the same trauma."

The legal team representing Vaughan, including attorneys from Bailess Law Firm and Griffith Law Center, emphasizes the responsibility of Edgewood Country Club to maintain a safe working environment for all its employees. They criticize the club for having multiple opportunities to act against the reported behavior before it escalated into physical assault, asserting Vaughan's right to the same respect and dignity afforded to patrons.

This lawsuit not only draws attention to the culture of harassment at Edgewood Country Club but also serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in workplaces. The case has broader implications for how organizations should handle reports of harassment and protect their employees, especially vulnerable individuals like minors.

Pending the litigation, many within the community and beyond are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that provides justice for Vaughan and others affected by such experiences. The case, titled Kyra S. Vaughan v. Edgewood Country Club, can resonate well beyond the walls of the club, potentially sparking discussions on necessary changes in workplace policies across various industries.