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April 15, 2011
Jesse Jackson Subject of Gay Harassment Complaint
Jackson Subject of Gay Harassment Complaint
"Complaint" " is not a lawsuit against Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr
by BJ Lutz
A former employee of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. at the Rainbow Push Coalition has filed a bombshell wrongful termination and discrimination complaint against the civil rights leader with the City of Chicago’s Commission on Human Rights.
The complaint, filed sometime last year by Tommy R. Bennett, a regular on the Tom Joyner Radio show and member of Barack Obama’s LGBT Leadership Council, includes shocking details about Jackson’s behavior toward the openly gay staffer including a suggestion that the civil rights leader may have propositioned him.
Jackson has denied the allegations in a legal response that was filed in July 2010 and resurfaced when the Windy City Times published a story Tuesday.
Bennett, 55, claims Jackson ridiculed him in front of other employees and required him to perform “humiliating tasks” like escorting women to Jackson’s various hotel rooms, cleaning up after alleged trysts and packing his clothing. It also includes a suggestion that Jackson may have asked for oral sex.
Jackson could not be reached for comment after multiple attempts by NBCChicago, but his legal representatives did respond to the complaint in July. Bennett also has not commented to NBCChicago. (Read a .PDF version of the complaint here and the Jackson legal response here, both of which were obtained by theGrio.com)
Bennett worked for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition for more than two years as the National Director of Community Affairs. The complaint states that Bennett endured a string of discriminatory treatment from multiple supervisors, but his protests were met with deaf ears.
In 2008, Bennett assumed the duties of Jackson’s travel assistant.
In that capacity, Bennett alleges to “clean his [hotel] room after sexual intercourse with women.”
Bennett's complaint requests back and front pay, compensation for emotional distress and punitive damages all to the tune of roughly $450,000. Bennett also wants an amendment to the civil rights organization's non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Jackson, a former presidential candidate, has been married to his wife, Jacqueline Lavinia Brown, since 1962, but has had bouts with infidelity. One affair with a staffer resulted in the birth of a girl in 1999.
He has five children with Brown, including Jesse Jackson, Jr., who represents Illinois' 2nd District in the United States House of Representatives.
Wild Thing's comment........
Oh no and we all had such tremendous respect for the Rev. Jesssseeeee Jackson.....NOT.
Now we will probably here how it is a right wing conspiracy or something.
Plus, the writer of the articles name is "BJ" - hahahahahaha ( sorry could not help it. )
I recall that Jackson dissed obozo. Wonder if this is pay back?
If it is true Jackson won't be punished for any of this. The left hardly ever gets truly punished.
Posted by Wild Thing at April 15, 2011 05:40 AM
Comments
The first supposed REVERAND that wanted to castrate Barack, eh? So much for his PUSH 'PUSH' COALITION? He's being $HAKEN down by the same antics he has profited from in the past?
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at April 15, 2011 09:04 AM
I hope this story develops into a headliner. "Hymie Town" Jackson accused of discrimination. How funny!
Posted by: TomR, armed in Texas at April 15, 2011 01:25 PM
