Sir Alan and his Apprentice sued for being 'sexist'

Posted by heatworld on Monday 29 Jun 2009

Filed under: Alan Sugar, Lee McQueen, The Apprentice

Sir Alan Sugar and last year's Apprentice winner Lee McQueen (he of reverse-pterodactyl fame) are reportedly being sued by a former female employee over claims of sexual discrimination. Hanna Sebright, who is 46, claims Lee McQueen made comments about her being "heavy-breasted", and boasted in front of her that his friend had once had sex with two women. In addition, Hanna claims Sir Alan and his son Simon "undermined" her at work, "forcing" her to leave her £70,000-a-year position as a managing editor. She further claims that she had to make room for both Kate and Yasmina in her department, so that they could be pitted against each other in a real work environment prior to Sir Alan making his final decision on this year's Apprentice. She is asking for £140,000 in compensation for sexual discrimination and constructive unfair dismissal, and says the stress of her situation caused her to lose weight and suffer from severe migraines. Sir Alan, however, says he's only met her once and for 10 minutes. "He is surprised to say the least by her claims," says a source. The business tycoon is said to be planning a "vigorous defence" at the hearing later this year.