Ford v. Revlon, Inc.

153 Ariz. 38 (1987)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Ford (P) worked for Revlon and in ten years of employment worked her way up from a secretary, junior buyer, to buyer. In October 1979, Kevin Braun was hired as the new manager of purchasing and invited P to dinner to discuss business. At the end of dinner, Braun told P that she was not going anywhere as she was to sleep with him that night. P rejected the advances and Braun threatened retaliation. P did not report the dinner. During a company picnic in May 1980, P was followed by Braun and assaulted by him with unwanted touching of a sexual nature. P began to report the incidents to management and had extensive contact with her chain of command. No action had been taken over a six-month period, and Braun was continuing his harassment with phone calls and threats. P developed high blood pressure and a nervous tick and chest pains along with rapid breathing. By February 21, 1981, P submitted a written request for transfer and the next day was placed on probation for poor work performance. Braun was eventually issued a letter of censure by D. In October 1981, P attempted suicide. D terminated Braun. P then sued Braun and D. The jury found Braun liable for assault and battery but not liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress. The jury found D liable to intentional infliction of emotional distress. D appealed. The court of appeals reversed.