Greek billionaire Alki David, who is the heir to a Coca-Cola bottling fortune, was ordered by a Los Angeles jury on Monday to pay $900 million in damages to a former employee who accused him of sexual assault. The woman, identified as Jane Doe, alleges that she was harassed and raped by David over a three-year period.
The lawsuit describes the work environment at David’s companies as “alarmingly hostile,” with one room referred to as “The Rape Room.” In addition, a pornographic image labeled “HER-ASS” was placed on the human resources department door.
Jane Doe first worked for David’s companies in 2016 as a model, during which time he allegedly tried to kiss her and later apologized after she rejected him. She was laid off later that year but reconnected with David in 2018 when he invited her to join his cannabis manufacturing company, Swiss-X, as a brand ambassador.
During this second stint at the company, David allegedly took advantage of Jane Doe while she was inebriated and disoriented from a product sample he provided her. He is accused of masturbating in front of her and forcing her to touch him sexually. The abuse escalated further when, during a business meeting with his Doberman pinscher present, David allegedly raped Jane Doe.
This ruling against David marks the third ruling against him in 2018 alone for sexual harassment and abuse cases. In addition to Jane Doe’s case, other employees have come forward claiming that David attempted to force himself upon them or fired them after they refused his advances.
This monumental verdict marks a significant triumph for justice and sets a precedent in the fight against workplace sexual assault,” said attorney Gary Dordick in a statement.
