A trial date has been set in the case against Travel Leaders
Group and two of the company's executives, filed by a former executive who
claims she was sexually harassed and wrongfully terminated.
According to court documents filed on March 29, the case
will be heard during a two-week period starting March 18, 2019, before Judge
Robin L. Rosenberg in U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach, Fla.
In February, Mabelle Meyaart filed a lawsuit against the
company, CEO Ninan Chacko and John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Network
and Leisure Group.
Meyaart alleges she was unfairly passed over for promotions
and underpaid. She claims the company has a "warped corporate culture,"
described as "toxic, male-dominated, good 'ole boy, misogynistic and
dysfunctional, which victimized and discriminated against women."
The lawsuit also alleges that Lovell "solicited Mrs.
Meyaart for sex, made lewd comments, leered at her and commented on her
appearance repeatedly over the years."
Meyaart worked for the company from June 25, 2012, through
July 24, 2017. She was brought into Travel Leaders Group to create its hotel
division, according to the lawsuit.
In court documents and a statement, Travel Leaders Group has
called the claims made in the lawsuit "meritless" and said it "will
vigorously defend that position."
In the court order setting the trial date, the court states
that a second order setting pretrial deadlines is forthcoming. The court has
scheduled a status conference on Feb. 13, 2019, and a calendar call on March
13, 2019. At the status conference, the defense and prosecution will be
required to provide the total number of witnesses they will call, as well as an
estimated amount of time requested for trial.
If the case is settled, the court requires notice within two
court days via a notice of settlement, stipulation for dismissal or motion for
dismissal.