Sarah Shahi, Steve Howey Sued for Discrimination by Muslim Nanny
“Shameless” star Steve Howey and “Person of Interest” alum Sarah Shahi are being sued by a woman who claims that she suffered religious discrimination and sexual harassment while employed as the couple’s nanny, according to court papers obtained by TheWrap.
In her lawsuit, filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Sarah Alaseri — described as “a young Muslim woman” in the suit — says that she began working as the couple’s nanny in July 2012, and suffered harassment and discrimination throughout her tenure.
Alaeri claims that the couple ridiculed her for her religion, including mocking her for dressing modestly, fasting and wearing a full scarf to pray.
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In one instance, the suit claims, Howey “yelled at her” and told her that Muslims are required to “throw people in the ocean.”
The suit goes on to allege harassment, claiming that Shahi described a sexual encounter with “an ‘A’ list actor” she was having affair with, telling Alaseri that the counter left her “sore.”
Alaseri also claims that Shahi encouraged her to “run off” with Howey so that Shahi could “move on with life” with her lover, and showed Alaseri a “lewd photograph” of her lover’s “private parts.”
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The suit goes on to allege that Shahi “grabbed Plaintiff’s backside, commenting, ‘you have a perfect little butt.'”
Representatives for Shahi an Howey have not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Alaseri claims that, after being fired in May 2015, Howey and Shahi told her agency that she was a “criminal.” She also says she’s owed wages and overtime for her tenure with the couple.
Alleging discrimination, harassment, wrongful retaliation and other counts, Alaseri is seeking unspecified damages.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.
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