West Hollywood, California – Lisa Vanderpump and her husband, Ken Todd, are facing a lawsuit for wrongful termination from former bartenders at their West Hollywood establishment, TomTom Restaurant & Bar. According to legal documents obtained on Thursday, the employees claim they were fired in retaliation for complaining about unsafe working conditions. The former employees also allege that Vanderpump and Todd defamed them to future employers.
One former employee stated that Vanderpump and Todd published false statements to numerous third parties, damaging his professional reputation and character. The documents further reveal that the ex-employee believes these false statements were made with actual malice.
The lawsuit also highlights the unsafe working conditions at TomTom, including sewage backup in the employee break/locker room. The former bartenders state that they experienced violations of labor laws, harassment, and other unsafe conditions during their employment.
Representatives for Vanderpump and Todd have not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. However, it is worth noting that TomTom is co-owned by “Vanderpump Rules” stars Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz, who were not named in the lawsuit.
This legal action comes just weeks before the Season 11 premiere of “Vanderpump Rules,” where the aftermath of Tom Sandoval’s cheating scandal will be explored. The show will delve into the impact of Sandoval’s secret affair on his ex-girlfriend, Ariana Madix, and castmate Rachel “Raquel” Leviss.
The premiere of “Vanderpump Rules” Season 11 is scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.