He denied any acts of sexual harassment. Plaintiff filed her complaint on 23 July 1995, alleging sexual harassment and seeking relief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and common law torts based on the public policies expressed in N.C. Gen. Stat. The case came on for trial during the 17 March 1997 term of Gaston County Superior Court. Plaintiff's request for attorneys' fees was denied. Both parties appeal.
Defendants appeal from judgment and order, and plaintiff from order denying attorneys' fees.
I. Defendants' Appeal Defendants first contend the trial court erred in allowing plaintiff to present evidence concerning alleged prior misconduct of Buchanan. Specifically, defendants argue it was improper to allow plaintiff to testify about an alleged statement made by Buchanan concerning a previous sexual relationship he had with a prior employee. N.C. Gen. Stat. Buchanan's statement regarding a sexual relationship with a prior employee could suggest an intent to sexually prey on female subordinates, and as such was properly admitted by the trial court. 116 N.C. App.