From Pine View Farm

Who Woulda Thunk? 2

A lawsuit that busts through stereotypes:

Alyse claims that her generous breast size got her fired from the cast of “Movin’ Out,” the Broadway show choreographed by Twyla Tharp to songs by Billy Joel. Alyse was an ensemble dancer in the national tour until her bra size “naturally increased” from a C cup to a D, according to her lawsuit against the production company. The growth spurt happened while she was on leave last year with an injured big toe; the 29-year-old says she neither gained weight nor got implants. When she returned to the show, she needed new bras sewn into her costumes, and for this, she alleges in her 42-page complaint, she was sexually harassed, verbally abused and wrongfully dismissed.

All snickering aside, I do know quite a bit about EEO laws, and EEO laws state that, if someone can do the job, he or she should have the job. They do make exception for situations where someone’s sex (not gender, dammit–words have gender, people have sex) makes a difference–that’s why Hooters can get away with hiring only persons with–er–hooters.

It should be interesting how this suit proceeds. It seems to me, speaking as someone who is definitely not a lawyer, that the plaintiff has a pretty good chance.

If not, she should have a pretty good chance. If she can still dance, it’s a damned stupid and petty reason for firing her.

Then again, my one son acts, and he will freely tell you that theatre people are wierd. And I know from observation they can be damned stupid and petty.

Just like the rest of us at times, I guess.

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2 comments

  1. Opie

    June 12, 2006 at 9:13 pm

    I’ve not stayed abreast of recent law in this area.

     
  2. Second Son

    June 12, 2006 at 11:32 pm

    First off, Opie, that’s awful.

    Secondly, I will tell you that they’re damn weird. I stopped acting at one local theater simply because of the politics, I didn’t want to get involved so I didn’t get any roles.

    That said, from reading this, I hope she wins.