Latest news with #MariaGasparovic
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Female Moet exec told she was 'gagging for it' sues firm for $1.5m
A female executive at Moet Hennessy is suing the champagne maker for $1.5million after she was allegedly told she needed 'anti-seduction' training and she was 'gagging for it'. Maria Gasparovic, the former chief of staff to executive Jean-Marc Lacave, was sacked last June, just four months after she told her HR department about senior colleagues' alleged misconduct while she worked at the firm's Paris headquarters. Lacave, her direct boss, is alleged to have told her that in order to be promoted, she needed 'anti-seduction' training, it was reported. He is also accused of telling her that she had not been promoted because a client had said she was 'gagging for it' at a meeting. Gasparovic is suing the multi-billion dollar firm for $1.5million in damages and compensation over accusations of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and unfair dismissal. LHMV has refuted the claims, and has filed a lawsuit against her for defamation after she posted the allegations to social media. A defamation trial is expected in the fall. In her dismissal letter, Moet Hennessy said she was being fired for impersonating another employee on a call while on sick leave, and for making threatening remarks to colleagues, though she had denied all these allegations. Before she was made to leave, she reportedly submitted a whistleblowing report to the firm in which she detailed her allegations of harassment and discrimination, though according to a legal complaint she filed the firm did not carry out a formal investigation. Mark Stead, the company's former chief operating officer who is in a relationship with Gasparovic, was reportedly sacked for allegedly misusing travel and expenses resources shortly after he accompanied her to meetings with HR. Since her sacking, around a dozen people have reportedly come forward to reveal a series of executive departures 'related to a toxic workplace environment where bullying and mismanagement were problems'. At least four female employees at Moet Hennessy's Paris headquarters have reported bullying and harassment before leaving. Three of those who filed complaints at employment tribunals have since settled with the firm. Several women allegedly complained about being the subject of unfounded rumours about having affairs with men at the company. According to the Financial Times, after one woman told HR that people were spreading false rumors that she had slept with a male executive to get work opportunities, she was simply told to 'get used to it'. Many employees of the firm complained of stress and bullying, with at least 20 staff at the headquarters going on long-term sick leave in 2024 alone. One source told the FT that gossip and rumors are rife at Moet Hennessy, and that it was a 'boys club'. They said that bosses would 'scream at people like it was a fashion house in the 1990s, except we are in 2025 - that behavior is no longer acceptable'. The source reportedly added: 'Lots of people were going on sick leave, people were disappearing overnight. It took on disruptive proportions'. In a note sent to staff in September 2024, Moet Hennessy's then-chief executive Philippe Schaus and head of HR Paula Fallowfield tried to put out the fires of Gasparovic's allegations, and of the wider concerns within the company, the FT reports. 'We assure you that each case has been handled thoughtfully, fairly and in line with a commitment to confidentiality and our values,' they wrote in the email, while reminding staff of 'the distress one-sided narratives may cause'. 'We are committed to providing a positive working environment . . . Moreover we are also determined to do everything possible to protect the reputation of Moet Hennessy,' they wrote. Gasparovic's lawsuit is expected to be heard in court later this year.
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Female champagne exec ‘told she needed 'anti-seduction training for flirting with bosses' and is ‘gagging for it''
The firm's former COO is reportedly in a relationship with her SEXISM FURY Female champagne exec 'told she needed 'anti-seduction training for flirting with bosses' and is 'gagging for it'' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FEMALE exec at a luxury champagne firm was allegedly told she needed 'anti-seduction' training and was 'gagging for it' to land a promotion. Maria Gasparovic is accusing French drinks powerhouse Moët Hennessy of sexual harassment, gender discrimination and unfair dismissal in a £1.1million lawsuit. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Maria Gasparovic, a former Moët Hennessy exec, was sacked last June Credit: Linkedln 5 Gasparovic claims the comments were made by her then-boss Jean-Marc Lacave (pictured) Credit: 2014 David M. Benett 5 Moët Hennessy — the elite drinks arm of luxury conglomerate LVMH - owns brand like the iconic Moët Chandon champagne Credit: Alamy Gasparovic was former chief of staff to the firm's global head of distribution Jean-Marc Lacave, and was fired in June last year. According to a Financial Times bombshell article, Gasparovic claims the comments were made by Lacave himself. These include allegations that she missed out on a promotion because a client had described her as 'gagging for it', and that she should undergo 'anti-seduction coaching' to move up the corporate ladder. She is seeking €1.3 million (around £1.1m) in damages and compensation through France's employment tribunal system. Moët Hennessy — the elite drinks arm of luxury conglomerate LVMH — has strenuously denied the allegations and hit back with its own lawsuit, accusing Gasparovic of defamation after she aired the accusations on social media. Those posts have since been taken down, and a defamation trial is reportedly set for autumn. An LVMH spokesperson has shared with The Sun the full letter from Moët Hennessy's CEO Jean-Jacques Guiony to all members of staff. In it, Mr Guiony addressed the recent allegations regarding the company's treatment of women and its culture. He claims Gasparovic's contract was terminated due to her "destructive behavior", and she subsequently launched a press campaign, leading Moët Hennessy to file a libel suit. The letter claims that Gasparovic's actions were a manipulative attempt to gain financial compensation and invoke whistleblower status after her initial strategy failed. Mr Guiony went on to emphasise his commitment to continuing this positive cultural shift and upholding a supportive environment at Moët Hennessy. The Sun has also asked LVMH for a comment on the matter. 'Devastated' Gregg Wallace FIRED by BBC over MasterChef sexual comments In her termination letter, cited by the FT, the company claimed she impersonated a colleague on a call while on sick leave and made threats to other staff — charges she flatly denies. Before her dismissal, Gasparovic had submitted a whistleblower report, alleging harassment and discrimination at the Paris HQ. But according to her legal complaint, the company failed to launch a formal investigation into her claims. The New York Post reports that Gasparovic further alleges Moët's then-CEO Philippe Schaus ordered HR to dig into her personal life, believing she was having an affair with a colleague — a claim she says was part of a broader 'boys club' atmosphere. 'Private life is protected by law in France,' she told the FT. 'Dignity matters, especially for women at work.' The lawsuit has dragged Moët Hennessy into a bubbling scandal just as it's grappling with broader turbulence. 5 Moët Hennessy denies claims and hit back with lawsuit accusing her of defamation Credit: Alamy 5 Moët's former COO Mark Stead — who is reportedly in a relationship with Gasparovic — was fired shortly after accompanying her to HR meetings. Credit: Linkedln A dozen insiders reportedly told the FT the workplace culture had become toxic — with bullying, burnout and staff 'disappearing overnight' on sick leave. At least 20 employees were signed off long-term in 2024 alone, according to the Daily Mail. One anonymous source reportedly said bosses would 'scream at people like it was a fashion house in the 1990s — except we are in 2025. That behaviour is no longer acceptable.' Several other women have reportedly left the company after facing similar treatment. At least four former female staffers accused Moët of harassment and bullying before exiting, three of whom later settled employment tribunal claims, according to the FT. In one case, after a female employee told HR that false rumours were circulating about her sleeping with a male exec to advance her career, she was allegedly told simply to 'get used to it'. Even Moët's former COO Mark Stead — who is reportedly in a relationship with Gasparovic — was fired shortly after accompanying her to HR meetings. He was accused of misusing company expenses, though his supporters suspect retaliation, according to Daily Mail. The case is expected to go before a French employment tribunal later this year.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Female champagne exec ‘told she needed 'anti-seduction training for flirting with bosses' and is ‘gagging for it''
A FEMALE exec at a luxury champagne firm was allegedly told she needed 'anti-seduction' training and was 'gagging for it' to land a promotion. Maria Gasparovic is accusing French drinks powerhouse Moët Hennessy of sexual harassment, gender discrimination and unfair dismissal in a £1.1million lawsuit. 5 5 Gasparovic was former chief of staff to the firm's global head of distribution Jean-Marc Lacave, and was fired in June last year. According to a Financial Times bombshell article, Gasparovic claims the comments were made by Lacave himself. These include allegations that she missed out on a promotion because a client had described her as 'gagging for it', and that she should undergo 'anti-seduction coaching' to move up the corporate ladder. She is seeking €1.3 million (around £1.1m) in damages and compensation through France's employment tribunal system. Moët Hennessy — the elite drinks arm of luxury conglomerate LVMH — has strenuously denied the allegations and hit back with its own lawsuit, accusing Gasparovic of defamation after she aired the accusations on social media. Those posts have since been taken down, and a defamation trial is reportedly set for autumn. An LVMH spokesperson has shared with The Sun the full letter from Moët Hennessy's CEO Jean-Jacques Guiony to all members of staff. In it, Mr Guiony addressed the recent allegations regarding the company's treatment of women and its culture. He claims Gasparovic's contract was terminated due to her "destructive behavior", and she subsequently launched a press campaign, leading Moët Hennessy to file a libel suit. The letter claims that Gasparovic's actions were a manipulative attempt to gain financial compensation and invoke whistleblower status after her initial strategy failed. Mr Guiony went on to emphasise his commitment to continuing this positive cultural shift and upholding a supportive environment at Moët Hennessy. The Sun has also asked LVMH for a comment on the matter. In her termination letter, cited by the FT, the company claimed she impersonated a colleague on a call while on sick leave and made threats to other staff — charges she flatly denies. Before her dismissal, Gasparovic had submitted a whistleblower report, alleging harassment and discrimination at the Paris HQ. But according to her legal complaint, the company failed to launch a formal investigation into her claims. The New York Post reports that Gasparovic further alleges Moët's then-CEO Philippe Schaus ordered HR to dig into her personal life, believing she was having an affair with a colleague — a claim she says was part of a broader 'boys club' atmosphere. 'Private life is protected by law in France,' she told the FT. 'Dignity matters, especially for women at work.' The lawsuit has dragged Moët Hennessy into a bubbling scandal just as it's grappling with broader turbulence. 5 5 A dozen insiders reportedly told the FT the workplace culture had become toxic — with bullying, burnout and staff 'disappearing overnight' on sick leave. At least 20 employees were signed off long-term in 2024 alone, according to the Daily Mail. One anonymous source reportedly said bosses would 'scream at people like it was a fashion house in the 1990s — except we are in 2025. That behaviour is no longer acceptable.' Several other women have reportedly left the company after facing similar treatment. At least four former female staffers accused Moët of harassment and bullying before exiting, three of whom later settled employment tribunal claims, according to the FT. In one case, after a female employee told HR that false rumours were circulating about her sleeping with a male exec to advance her career, she was allegedly told simply to 'get used to it'. Even Moët's former COO Mark Stead — who is reportedly in a relationship with Gasparovic — was fired shortly after accompanying her to HR meetings. He was accused of misusing company expenses, though his supporters suspect retaliation, according to Daily Mail. The case is expected to go before a French employment tribunal later this year. Full message from Moët Hennessy CEO to all staff Dear Moët Hennessy teams, You may have seen or heard about an article published by the Financial Times regarding Moët Hennessy. I am deeply disappointed by this not only because it harms our reputation, but above all because the allegations made are unacceptable. I would like to share some context. Maria Gasparovic appears to hold considerable resentment toward Moët Hennessy, driven by personal ambition that led her to believe she could claim a position that did not exist at the time and was eventually not opened due to budgetary constraints. Her behavior, following that decision, changed drastically: she claimed to have been subject to sexist discrimination, she began making comments and sharing posts that can be construed as bullying and these were directed to employees and clients. As a member of the Distribution Executive team she was privy to confidential information and in addition had access to personal information pertaining to colleagues, to which she did not apply the required confidentiality measures. Holding such a position she should have disclosed information regarding her personal situation and personal relations as a conflict of interest, but did not do so. She created an environment that was destructive and Moët Hennessy had no choice but to terminate her contract even if some of the above-mentioned elements and others, like threats of blackmail, were only brought to light subsequently. Instead of challenging her termination in court, she started a press campaign and MH had no choice but to file a libel suit based on these false allegations. In 2025, she finally challenged her termination in court and MH will strongly defend the case. Ultimately, Maria Gasparovic chose to exploit a situation that she herself created - one rooted in her personal agenda and which is now being used in an attempt to justify financial compensation. After her strategy failed, she attempted to invoke whistleblower status, again manipulating the systems that are intended to protect. This behavior, both toward our company and certain colleagues, was clearly at adds with our values. These actions took place outside of any formal oversight and were facilitated by the complacency of a few individuals, and even to the point of intentional support from others. Such conduct cannot be tolerated. This is the reason of her departure. With regard to the place of women in our company, I cannot accept the attacks directed at my predecessor, Philippe Schous, whose behavior was beyond reproach in all interactions. Philippe spent considerable time embedding a vision and values that were in keeping with equity. Philippe was instrumental in appointing women to some key critical roles, that today sit at the COMEX of MH, such as the EVP of Human Resources, the President for Maison Moët, the CFO, and a new Regional President for Asia. Since 2020, we have successfully achieved gender parity at Executive and Manager level rising from 45 to 50% in less than 5 years. He initiated a genuine cultural shift at Moët Hennessy one that has brought greater equity and diversity to our organization. This is a commitment I fully intend to carry forward as President of Moët Hennessy. I will never tolerate such behavior. Like you, I believe in our core values, and I will not accept them being called into question. Seeing these values misrepresented in the press is not only disappointing to me but I know it is also deeply unsettling for all of you who work so hard to uphold them. I share your frustration and concern that the press has failed to accurately and fairly represent events. I understand that these accusations, along with commentary about our culture, may raise concerns. I want to underscore that Moët Hennessy is committed to continuously upholding a positive and supportive environment for all. Jean-Jacques Guiony, President and CEO, Moët Hennessy.
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Female champagne exec ‘told she needed 'anti-seduction training for flirting with bosses' and is ‘gagging for it''
A FEMALE exec at a luxury champagne firm was allegedly told she needed 'anti-seduction' training and was 'gagging for it' to land a promotion. Maria Gasparovic is accusing 5 Maria Gasparovic, a former Moët Hennessy exec, was sacked last June Credit: Linkedln 5 Gasparovic claims the comments were made by her then-boss Jean-Marc Lacave (pictured) Credit: 2014 David M. Benett 5 Moët Hennessy — the elite drinks arm of luxury conglomerate LVMH - owns brand like the iconic Moët Chandon champagne Credit: Alamy Gasparovic was former chief of staff to the firm's global head of distribution Jean-Marc Lacave, and was fired in June last year. According to a These include allegations that she missed out on a promotion because a client had described her as 'gagging for it', and that she should undergo 'anti-seduction coaching' to move up the corporate ladder. She is seeking €1.3 million (around £1.1m) in damages and compensation through France's employment tribunal system. Read more world news Moët Hennessy — the Those posts have since been taken down, and a defamation trial is reportedly set for autumn. An LVMH spokesperson has shared with The Sun the full letter from Moët Hennessy's CEO Jean-Jacques Guiony to all members of staff. In it, Mr Guiony addressed the recent allegations regarding the company's treatment of women and its culture. Most read in The US Sun He claims Gasparovic's contract was terminated due to her "destructive behavior", and she subsequently launched a press campaign, leading Moët Hennessy to file a libel suit. The letter claims that Gasparovic's actions were a manipulative attempt to gain financial compensation and invoke whistleblower status after her initial strategy failed. Mr Guiony went on to emphasise his commitment to continuing this positive cultural shift and upholding a supportive environment at Moët Hennessy. The Sun has also asked LVMH for a comment on the matter. 'Devastated' Gregg Wallace FIRED by BBC over MasterChef sexual comments In her termination letter, cited by the FT, the company claimed she impersonated a colleague on a call while on sick leave and made threats to other staff — charges she flatly denies. Before her dismissal, Gasparovic had submitted a whistleblower report, alleging harassment and discrimination at the Paris HQ. But according to her legal complaint, the company failed to launch a formal investigation into her claims. The 'Private life is protected by law in France,' she told the FT. 'Dignity matters, especially for women at work.' The lawsuit has dragged Moët Hennessy into a bubbling scandal just as it's grappling with broader turbulence. 5 Moët Hennessy denies claims and hit back with lawsuit accusing her of defamation Credit: Alamy 5 Moët's former COO Mark Stead — who is reportedly in a relationship with Gasparovic — was fired shortly after accompanying her to HR meetings. Credit: Linkedln A dozen insiders reportedly told the FT the workplace culture had become toxic — with bullying, burnout and staff 'disappearing overnight' on sick leave. At least 20 employees were signed off long-term in 2024 alone, according to the One anonymous source reportedly said bosses would 'scream at people like it was a fashion house in the 1990s — except we are in 2025. That behaviour is no longer acceptable.' Several other women have reportedly left the company after facing similar treatment. At least four former female staffers accused Moët of harassment and bullying before exiting, three of whom later settled employment tribunal claims, according to the FT. In one case, after a female employee told HR that false rumours were circulating about her sleeping with a male exec to advance her career, she was allegedly told simply to 'get used to it'. Even Moët's former COO Mark Stead — who is reportedly in a relationship with Gasparovic — was fired shortly after accompanying her to HR meetings. He was accused of misusing company expenses, though his supporters suspect retaliation, according to Daily Mail. The case is expected to go before a French employment tribunal later this year. Full message from Moët Hennessy CEO to all staff Dear Moët Hennessy teams, You may have seen or heard about an article published by the Financial Times regarding Moët Hennessy. I am deeply disappointed by this not only because it harms our reputation, but above all because the allegations made are unacceptable. I would like to share some context. Maria Gasparovic appears to hold considerable resentment toward Moët Hennessy, driven by personal ambition that led her to believe she could claim a position that did not exist at the time and was eventually not opened due to budgetary constraints. Her behavior, following that decision, changed drastically: she claimed to have been subject to sexist discrimination, she began making comments and sharing posts that can be construed as bullying and these were directed to employees and clients. As a member of the Distribution Executive team she was privy to confidential information and in addition had access to personal information pertaining to colleagues, to which she did not apply the required confidentiality measures. Holding such a position she should have disclosed information regarding her personal situation and personal relations as a conflict of interest, but did not do so. She created an environment that was destructive and Moët Hennessy had no choice but to terminate her contract even if some of the above-mentioned elements and others, like threats of blackmail, were only brought to light subsequently. Instead of challenging her termination in court, she started a press campaign and MH had no choice but to file a libel suit based on these false allegations. In 2025, she finally challenged her termination in court and MH will strongly defend the case. Ultimately, Maria Gasparovic chose to exploit a situation that she herself created - one rooted in her personal agenda and which is now being used in an attempt to justify financial compensation. After her strategy failed, she attempted to invoke whistleblower status, again manipulating the systems that are intended to protect. This behavior, both toward our company and certain colleagues, was clearly at adds with our values. These actions took place outside of any formal oversight and were facilitated by the complacency of a few individuals, and even to the point of intentional support from others. Such conduct cannot be tolerated. This is the reason of her departure. With regard to the place of women in our company, I cannot accept the attacks directed at my predecessor, Philippe Schous, whose behavior was beyond reproach in all interactions. Philippe spent considerable time embedding a vision and values that were in keeping with equity. Philippe was instrumental in appointing women to some key critical roles, that today sit at the COMEX of MH, such as the EVP of Human Resources, the President for Maison Moët, the CFO, and a new Regional President for Asia. Since 2020, we have successfully achieved gender parity at Executive and Manager level rising from 45 to 50% in less than 5 years. He initiated a genuine cultural shift at Moët Hennessy one that has brought greater equity and diversity to our organization. This is a commitment I fully intend to carry forward as President of Moët Hennessy. I will never tolerate such behavior. Like you, I believe in our core values, and I will not accept them being called into question. Seeing these values misrepresented in the press is not only disappointing to me but I know it is also deeply unsettling for all of you who work so hard to uphold them. I share your frustration and concern that the press has failed to accurately and fairly represent events. I understand that these accusations, along with commentary about our culture, may raise concerns. I want to underscore that Moët Hennessy is committed to continuously upholding a positive and supportive environment for all. Jean-Jacques Guiony, President and CEO, Moët Hennessy.
Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Times
Moët Hennessy whistleblower was told she needed ‘anti-seduction' training
A female executive at Moët Hennessy is suing the champagne giant after she was allegedly told she needed 'anti-seduction' training and was 'gagging for it' during a meeting. Staff at the wines and spirits arm of the French luxury giant LVMH, have reported a 'toxic culture' of alleged sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation and claimed that a 'boys' club' mentality reigns in the company. The claims emerged after a case brought last autumn by Maria Gasparovic, a self-styled whistleblower who was sacked for 'gross misconduct' before making public allegations that executives had subjected her to sexual harassment, gender discrimination, denigration and unfair dismissal. The company, whose brands include Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon champagne, as well as Glenmorangie whisky and Hennessy cognac, has rejected her allegations. It filed a defamation suit against Gasparovic, formerly chief of staff for the Moët Hennessy global head of distribution, after she posted her claims on LinkedIn. A dozen people connected to the company have since come forward, saying there had been a series of executive departures 'related to a toxic workplace environment where bullying and mismanagement were problems', the Financial Times reported. At least 20 staff at the business's headquarters went on long-term sick leave last year and many employees complained of stress and bullying, the newspaper said. At least four other female employees at the Paris headquarters had reported bullying and harassment before leaving the group, it added. 'Gossip and rumours were rife at Moët Hennessy, while a 'boys' club' mentality was common,' one source is reported to have said. 'One former employee described how their boss would 'scream at people like it was a fashion house in the 1990s — except we are in 2025. That behaviour is no longer acceptable.' Philippe Schaus, Moët & Chandon's chief executive, was replaced last November, after Gasparovic's dismissal, amid slumping sales for the drinks group. Gasparovic reported her harassment allegations along with a fellow whistleblower to Moët Hennessy's corporate human resources director in February 2024. She said her boss had threatened to present a case for her dismissal if she did not comply with certain demands, including a course in 'anti-seduction training', she claims. That was supposedly necessary because Schaus and a Moët Hennessy client reportedly claimed she had sought to seduce them, with the client describing her as 'gagging for it' in a meeting. Several women in the company allegedly complained that they were the subject of unfounded rumours about affairs with men at the company. When one woman told the business about rumours circulating that she had received work opportunities after sleeping with a male executive, she was told by her HR manager 'to get used' to it, the report said. After Gasparovic posted her allegations on LinkedIn, causing a stir in the French business world, the company sent a cease and desist letter. The letter, seen by the Financial Times, said: 'You cannot present yourself as a whistleblower when you have exploited for your personal benefit, for several years, the same facts that you publicly claim to have reported.' The company's chief operating officer, Mark Stead, who is in a relationship with Gasparovic, was dismissed for allegedly abusing expenses after he accompanied Gasparovic to her meetings, it is believed. Bernard Arnault, the majority owner of LVMH and until recently France's richest person, brought his third son, Alexandre, 33, into the drinks division as No2 in February. After long registering lavish profits, the group has suffered from a slowdown due to the tariff war with China against cognac, changing drinking habits and extreme weather. French business media have reported that Moët Hennessy continued to ship champagne and cognac to Russia, via intermediaries, despite saying it had suspended sales there in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The company has denied wrongdoing. Gasparovic's suit against her former employer is expected to be heard in court later this year. Bernard Arnault controls LVMH ABDULLAH FIRAS/ABACA/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK Jean-Jacques Guiony, chairman and chief executive of Moët Hennessy, responded with an attack on Gasparovic, saying she was 'driven by personal ambition that led her to believe she could claim a position that did not exist at the time and was eventually not opened due to budgetary constraints'. In a letter to staff, the head of the LVMH division added: 'Her behaviour, following that decision, changed drastically: she claimed to have been subject to sexist discrimination, she began making comments and sharing posts that can be construed as bullying and these were directed to employees and clients.' 'Maria Gasparovic chose to exploit a situation that she herself created — one rooted in her personal agenda and which is now being used in an attempt to justify financial compensation. After her strategy failed, she attempted to invoke whistleblower status, again manipulating the systems that are intended to protect,' he said. Stead is separately suing the business for wrongful dismissal and alleges he was actually fired in reprisal for supporting a whistleblower's claims. He declined to comment to the FT.
