Florida Democratic Party chair apologizes after 6 women complain of 'demeaning' behavior
Source: Politico
By MATT DIXON and MARC CAPUTO 11/16/2017 11:19 PM EST Updated 11/17/2017 06:19 AM EST
TALLAHASSEE — Six former Florida Democratic Party staffers and consultants say that current party Chairman Stephen Bittel has created an unprofessional workplace environment for women that includes persistent inappropriate comments, leering at young women and even inviting them on his private jet.
The women, who were reached independently by POLITICO and insisted on anonymity out of fear for their jobs, said Bittel never inappropriately touched or threatened them. But he made them feel so uneasy that they didn’t want to be alone with him due to his body language, suggestive remarks and even the breast-shaped stress squeeze-ball he has been known to keep on his desk.
Depending on the circumstance and the person discussing Bittel, they said he would make references about women cooking dinner, showing their breasts, their age, whether they wanted to ride on his plane, come to his hotel room or if they thought he was attractive.
“There was a lot of boob stuff in his office,” said a woman who was a fundraiser years ago and had to interact with him. “I was told by other women not to go into his bathroom. I was warned.”
Read more: https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2017/11/16/florida-democratic-party-chair-apologizes-after-6-women-complain-of-demeaning-behavior-118364
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