Back in the news:

The California Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday in a lawsuit brought by a writing assistant fired from the program, Amaani Lyle, who contends that the profanity-riddled and sex-laden diatribes of “Friends” writers constituted sexual harassment.

The company that produced the show, Warner Brothers, claims that programs about sex and relationships require frank and freewheeling discussion of the subject matter. The company has also warned that allowing Ms. Lyle to proceed with her case could put a strait-jacket on writers and dilute the quality of what Americans see on movies and TV.

(Josh Gerstein, “Sex Harassment Is Alleged By a Writer of ‘Friends'”, New York Sun, Feb. 15). According to the L.A. Times, yesterday’s session did not appear to go well for the plaintiff:

During a hearing in Sacramento, two of the state high court’s justices observed that Amaani Lyle, 32, was warned before she was hired for “Friends” that she would be subjected to sexually explicit talk in the writers’ room….

Justice Joyce L. Kennard appeared to find it significant that Warner Bros. had told Lyle to expect “a lot of sexual talk, very frank talk and at times vulgar” language. “She said, ‘No problem,’ ” Kennard related.

(Maura Dolan, “Justices Skeptical of ‘Friends’ Suit”, Los Angeles Times, Feb. 15). For our earlier coverage of the case, see Apr. 23, Jul. 19, Jul. 31, Oct. 19, and Nov. 17, 2004. Our coverage of harassment law generally is here.

Filed under: harassment law