House of Blues sued over claims of racial and gender discrimination

The House of Blues in New Orleans is being accused of race and gender discrimination by a former employee in a recently filed federal lawsuit.

Alleging violations of her civil rights, Eartha Grant sued Sept. 17 in federal court in New Orleans.

The former employee accuses the defendant of disparate treatment based on race and gender, hostile work environment, failure to promote and unlawful constructive discharge due to her race and gender.

Grant claims the defendant's actions were in intentional and undertaken with reckless indifference to her civil rights. She states she has sustained mental anguish, emotional distress and upset, grief, aggravation, loss of enjoyment of life, physical pain and suffering.

She is asking for more than $300,000 in damages for lost wages, benefits, loss of earning capacity, punitive damages, interest, court costs and attorney's fees.

Grant is represented by John O. Pieksen Jr. of John Pieksen & Associates in New Orleans.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv03161