Jesse Jackson, something about midnight. Tommy R. Bennett, a former employee of civil rights
leader Jesse Jackson, has filed a discrimination and wrongful termination
complaint against the reverend. Bennett, who is gay, was the National Director
of Community Affairs at Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Jackson, 55, also
serves on President Obama’s LGBT Leadership Council.
Asked for Oral Sex: Rev. Jackson Slapped With Gay
Harassment Complaint
The complaint, as NBC Chicago reports, ”includes
shocking allegations about Jackson’s behavior toward the openly gay staffer
including an allegation that the civil rights leader propositioned him.”
According to NBC Chicago:
Bennett, 55, claims Jackson ridiculed him in front
of other employees and required him to perform “humiliating tasks” like
escorting women to Jackson’s various hotel rooms, cleaning up after alleged
trysts and packing his clothing. It also
includes an allegation that Jackson asked for oral sex, according to the claim.
Jackson flatly denied each claim in his response.
The Windy City Times has more on the allegations:
Things reached an apex later in 2008, when Bennett
says he “was summoned to Rev. Jackson’s hotel room” at the Hilton Chicago
O’Hare Airport Hotel. Bennett claims that he was eventually instructed to apply
cream to Jackson, who “had a rash between his legs.” Bennett says that he
refused, resulting in Jackson allegedly calling Bennett a “little
motherfucker.”
Bennett then states that another time at the same
hotel, Jackson summoned him at 1 a.m. to take notes. The complaint states,
“When Mr. Bennett arrived, Rev. Jackson was dressed only in his briefs and a
v-neck t-shirt.” Bennett alleges Jackson was sexually excited. Asked by Windy
City Times how he came to this conclusion, Bennett said, “I could tell by his
look. His whole demeanor had changed. His breathing pattern had changed.”
Bennett’s complaint requests compensation for
punitive damages and emotional distress amounting to around $450,000. He also
requests “back and front pay,” according to reports.
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