US: The California Supreme Court has thrown out a sexual harassment suit against the makers of the hit comedy Friends, ruling that vulgar and coarse comments by the show's writers reflected the "creative workplace" for a comedy with sexual themes.
In ruling unanimously for Warner Bros Television Productions, the court said the show's writers did not direct their lewd comments at the woman who sued them or at women particularly. Amaani Lyle, who worked for four months in 1999 as a writers' assistant for Friends, had alleged the male writers spoke graphically about their sexual preferences and experiences.
She said they mused about sexual matters involving actors Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox Arquette and David Schwimmer and simulated masturbating.
One drew breasts and vaginas in a colouring book, and the three referred to some women with a four-letter vulgar word.
The writers said their behaviour occurred while brainstorming for a show that dealt with sexual material.
Before her hiring, Ms Lyle was warned that she would be subject to sexual talk, the court said. The evidence also showed that the discussions were not aimed at Ms Lyle and that the conduct did not affect her work hours or duties.
Ms Lyle, who is black, also sued for racial harassment. An appeals court will decide if this will also be dismissed. - (LA Times-Washington Post service)