CROYDON, U.K. — A U.K. employment tribunal awarded a harassment claim to Charlene Friend, a woman who developed seizures and was mocked by her manager with references to the horror film “The Exorcist.” The tribunal ruled that the conduct of her boss, including sending disturbing images and nicknaming her after the film’s possessed child, were inappropriate and distressing.
Friend, who worked as a customer liaison officer for Kent-based MHS Homes, has endured considerable health challenges following a brutal attack in 2014, during which she was stabbed and severely beaten. This traumatic incident left her with PTSD, anxiety, and cognitive issues and was the underlying cause of her subsequent seizures.
Initial relations at MHS Homes were cordial after Friend joined the company in 2018. However, problems began in 2019 after organizational changes made her job more demanding. In a distressing incident overheard by Friend in September 2020, her manager, Lisa Gilbert, criticized her performance and suggested plans to terminate her employment. These events exacerbated Friend’s health conditions, leading to her first seizure in July 2021, which doctors described as dissociative seizures linked to psychological trauma.
Following this, Gilbert’s harassment intensified; she frequently referred to Friend as ‘Regan’ and sent her images from “The Exorcist,” specifically photos of the young girl in the movie experiencing demonic possession. This comparison not only mocked Friend’s medical condition but also distressed her due to her Christian faith and her beliefs about spiritual afflictions.
The tribunal learned that Gilbert labeled individuals with mental health issues as “attention seekers,” further poisoning the work environment for Friend. Despite being signed off work multiple times due to her health, Friend was ultimately dismissed in February 2024, on the grounds of her continued health issues.
While the tribunal dismissed claims that the firing itself was discriminatory or unfair, it upheld that Friend was a victim of disability discrimination, harassment, and a failure by her employer to make reasonable adjustments for her condition.
Employment Judge Philip Tsamados emphasized the inappropriateness of Gilbert’s actions. He noted that name-calling and the sending of such provocative images were entirely unwarranted and particularly offensive, given Friend’s medical state which includes visible seizures.
The decision on Friend’s compensation will occur at a subsequent hearing, where the focus will be on quantifying the damages owed for the distress and discrimination she suffered.
This case highlights critical issues in workplace dynamics and the treatment of employees with disabilities, underscoring the necessity for sensitivity and adherence to fair treatment standards.