KANSAS CITY – A former employee has filed a lawsuit against Branson King Resort alleging severe and pervasive sexual harassment by her supervisor as well as retaliation and wrongful termination.
Samantha Day filed the lawsuit in federal court against Branson King Resort operating as Branson King Resort and Suites.
According to court documents, Day worked as a front desk receptionist for the defendant in February and March 2022. She alleges that while she was working there, she faced severe and pervasive sexual harassment by direct supervisor Brian Kroll. Day alleges Kroll engaged in unwelcome and unwanted behaviors, including following Day without justification, attempting to force her to be alone with him and physically touching her. The harassment allegedly escalated to the point where Kroll entered Day's apartment while she was asleep, causing her significant distress and fear for her safety.
Day claims that following reporting these incidents to Branson King CEO and owner Barbara Plueger, she faced blame and intimidation. Plueger allegedly asserted that Kroll's actions were Day's fault and threatened to take away her children if she reported the harassment. Day's employment with Branson King was terminated on March 26, 2022. As a condition of her employment, Day resided on the defendant's property, and upon termination, the defendant allegedly locked her apartment, denying her access to retrieve her belongings.
The complaint contends Day's termination was in retaliation for reporting the sexual harassment. In response, Day filed a charge of discrimination with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and received a notice of right to sue on September 28, 2023.
Day demands a jury trial to seek a judgment for damages, court costs, attorney fees and other relief. She is being represented by Raymond Lampert of Lampert Law Office in Springfield.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri case number 6:23-cv-03353