There's more legal trouble ahead in the land of New Jersey Housewives. Caroline Manzo's husband Albert Manzo, and his younger brother Tommy Manzo, are reportedly being sued by a former employee.
Lanise Jackson, 36, a former waitress at The Brownstone in Paterson, N.J., claimed in court documents (obtained by the NY Daily News on Friday, Dec. 13) that the Manzo brothers routinely hurled racial epithets at her and other staff members. She also alleged that they failed to pay overtime wages.
Jackson said in the docs that Tommy once yelled at her and asked, "Are you blind? What are you, Chinese? Open your eyes." She also said the Manzos would allegedly refer to their employees as "Spic b-tches" and other racial epithets.
Jackson — who allegedly worked at the hot spot catering hall from October 2011 to April 2012; and from September to November 2013 — is reportedly suing for "discrimination, maintaining a hostile work environment, and hourly wage violations." She also claimed that she worked beyond 40 hours a week, but "was never paid time and half overtime."
Manzo, meanwhile, told the Daily News on Friday that he was "appalled" by Jackson's claims. The father of three — Albie, Lauren and Chris — said he believed the suit was a "byproduct of the fame of the show."
"I’ve never spoken to any employee in that manner," he continued. "This is the most insane thing I’ve ever dealt with. Now I got The Daily News calling me about this, I’m seriously thinking about launching a countersuit. She is defaming me."
