Erika Bonilla is suing the U.S. Department of Justice because she was discriminated against … for being too attractive.

 

Formerly an employee of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bonilla moonlighted as a professional singer. She claims her singing career and good looks provoked jealousy from co-workers beginning in 2007, when, after four years on the job, she received a new position as an administrative specialist.

 

According to her lawsuit, four other FBI employees thought the position should have gone to another woman, Maria Grossetete, and management failed to stop the harassment Bonilla endured, including false rumors about sleeping with ”executive management.”

 

“Ms. Bonilla was targeted, harassed and retaliated against because she is an attractive Hispanic female with a career in Latin music,” the complaint states. Bonilla has continued to work for the FBI, but at an office in California.

-Noel Brinkerhoff, David Wallechinsky

 

 

FBI's Latin Singer Sues Justice Department (by David Lee, Courthouse News Service)

New Mexico Ex-FBI Employee Says Co-Workers Were 'Jealous' of Her, Sues Employer (by Susanna Kim, ABC News)

Erika Bonilla v. Eric Holder (U.S. District Court, New Mexico) (pdf)