BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A former Russell Salvatore employee has filed a lawsuit, accusing the restaurateur of sexual assault, harassment, discrimination and wrongful termination.
The complaint, filed Wednesday in New York State Supreme Court, alleges that Salvatore sexually assaulted her repeatedly throughout her employment, which began in 2015. She claims she was unfairly terminated in December 2023 .
The lawsuit was filed against Salvatore, his business, Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More, as well as one of Salvatore’s associates.
It also claims Salvatore garnished her tips while she worked as a bartender and was fired when she expressed her concerns. On one occasion, the woman claims Salvatore told her to “never” cut off a customer’s alcohol.
In a statement, Salvatore called the lawsuit “an attempt to extort me.”
The full trial can be viewed here.
Salvatore’s full statement can be viewed below:
Recently, I was shocked, saddened and disappointed to learn that an employee who had been with me for over 9 years had decided to file a complaint against me. I believe the lawsuit is in retaliation for a policy change that was implemented involving her and associated bartenders that she did not agree with. The letter I received from her and her attorney was, in my opinion, an attempt to extort $1.5 million from me. I felt their message was clear – pay up or they will make the allegations public – and in doing so they will try to ruin my reputation.
My answer is just as clear: go for it!
I’ve seen what’s happening in this world, and after 91 years of existence, it’s a shame. I can’t believe that a person could, after working 9 years earning money full time for a part time job, leave a great job and come back two months later and make such allegations against their employer . Lawyers know the buzzwords to elicit a reaction, and so their exaggerated complaints cover just about everything under the sun. His colleagues expressed the same disbelief at his actions.
So here I am mortified to even have my name associated with such nonsense. However, I will not settle for threats.
I have been here for this city for many years and in many ways, and I will continue to do so for as long as I live. I’ll manage to deal with that. Thank you for your time, support and continued patronage.
Russell Salvatore
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Patrick Ryan is an award-winning journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here And follow him on Twitter.
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