Erica Herman, former girlfriend of golf superstar Tiger Woods, is suing him for $30 million, alleging that he forced her to sign a non-disclosure agreement regarding their sexual relationship or risk losing her job at his restaurant. According to a state court filing in Florida, Herman’s attorney, Benjamin Hodas, claims that Woods imposed the NDA on Herman as a condition to keep her job when she began having a sexual relationship with him. This alleged action amounts to sexual harassment, Hodas argued. The filing also details Herman’s account of events leading up to Woods allegedly kicking her out of the home they share, stating that the landlord made the availability of her housing conditional on her having a sexual relationship with a co-tenant, which is a violation of federal and Florida fair housing laws.
Herman’s attorney claims that Woods’ behavior is not only a breach of her employment contract but also constitutes sexual harassment and exploitation. Hodas wrote in the filing that Woods, as Herman’s boss, imposed different work conditions on her because of their sexual relationship, which is a clear violation of federal and state law. Additionally, Herman’s attorney stated that Woods’ actions were designed to intimidate and coerce Herman into signing a second NDA, which she was reluctant to do.
Tiger Woods and Erica Herman (Via Tiger Woods and Erica Herman/Twitter)
The filing also suggests that Woods’ actions were motivated by his desire to maintain a public image of himself as a respected and righteous individual, while simultaneously exploiting and harming those around him. Herman’s attorney stated that Woods’ behavior is a clear violation of the Ending Forced Arbitration Act, which prohibits the use of arbitration agreements to silence or intimidate individuals who claim to have been sexually harassed or discriminated against.
Woods’ attorney, JB Murray, has previously denied Herman’s allegations, stating that she is “not a victim of sexual assault or abuse.” However, Herman’s attorney claims that Woods’ actions are a clear example of sexual harassment and exploitation, and that the courts will ultimately hold him accountable for his behavior.
