If you guys have been following the news, you know that Jesse Jackson is in the middle. of a harassment suit. A former employee, Tom Bennett, has filed a wrongful termination and discrimination case against Jackson and his Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Holy Viagra, Batman! Could it be that we have yet another well-known spiritual leader leading a double life? How you doing, Bishop Daddy Eddie Long?
Jackson has a record of support for LGBT rights, including during his runs for president and his speech at the LGBT March on Washington in 1987.
In the complaint, filed with Chicago's Commission on Human Rights, Bennett alleges that Jackson fired him unjustly because Bennett is gay. He further alleges that the civil rights leader forced him to perform "uncomfortable" tasks.
Hey, that sounds like Gay Pride Weekend in Fire Island.... lol.
Bennett’s sexuality was a matter of public knowledge because he also worked in radio, appearing on the Tom Joyner Morning Show as the flamboyant character, Aruba Tommy.
Side note: Why is there a flamboyant gay character on most black syndicated morning radio shows? Does the FCC require this to obtain a license? I am just saying.
Bennett at one point became Jackson’s traveling assistant, but apparently, according to Bennett, there were some unusual addendums in the job description.
Bennett, 55, claims that 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 Jackson’s clothing.
Look, packing the clothes is one thing, but escorting tricks and cleaning up afterwards is surely not part of the gig.
Bennett’s claim also includes an allegation that Jackson asked for oral sex. Jackson flatly denied each claim in his response.
You guys remember, Jackson has been caught before with his pants down. He has admitted to an affair with a staffer, Karin Stanford, which resulted in the birth of a daughter. It seems he could be an equal opportunity horn dog. Maybe he could drop the “Rev.” and change his name to “Action Jackson.”
Bennett alleges that Caroline Wiggins, the membership and volunteer coordinator, complained to Jackson that she did not wish to work with Bennett because he was gay. He says Jackson took no action when he reported this. The complaint also includes more lurid allegations, including that Jackson demanded that Bennett put cream between Jackson’s legs to handle a rash. I guess when you are going through women like a bag of Doritos, getting a rash could be an occupational hazard.
I am known for being a bit of a germaphobe. I get the skeevies just having to touch the door handle in a public restroom, much less spreading ointment on some other man’s rash.
Also, I know we are in a recession and I have had some pretty tough bosses, but I don't think I would be applying salve to some man’s thighs and then look dumbfounded when he asked for some loving. You are rubbing his legs and already on your knees. Get a clue!
I am not sure who is telling the truth but this is a political hot mess! Hide your women, hide your gay employees, ’cause Jackson might be on the prowl...lol!
If the allegations are true, this is less about Jackson being on the DL but more about a misuse of power and authority. On the other hand, this could also be a grand PR move from an attention-seeking stunt queen. Only time will tell.
I know some of you may find yourselves in a similar situation, so I offer Professor Loc’s Top Five signs your boss could be making gay advances:
5. You notice some new additions to your job description, which include taking on two new clients as well as daily foot massages.
4. You notice the dress code for casual Fridays has been changed from the usual Hawaiian shirt to wife beaters, basketball shorts with underwear optional.
3. Although you see your boss frequently throughout the day, you notice that every time you take a bathroom break he suddenly appears at the next urinal and wants to discuss next week’s calendar.
2. You show up for the office Super Bowl party but notice that the only attendees are you, your boss and Lester from the mailroom, who is strangely sporting a blonde wig and cheerleader outfit.
1. You complete your annual review, but instead of a raise you are given two tickets to Puerto Rico and a copy of “The Karma Sutra: Buddy Passion.”