Story 32

Lengthy but worth the read, I promise.

Though I resigned over a year ago, I still find myself crippled with anxiety and fear of further retaliation—here goes.

Despite my having been on a short-term disability (STD) leave of absence, protected by FMLA due to the horrific and unlawful experiences I endured at the hands of my superior male counterparts, Citigroup has zero excuse for its utter disregard for corrective action related to sexual assault, intimidation, harassment, and the mishandling of internal investigations.

The only thing that’s clear at Citi is that they have a zero-tolerance policy for women who—under the company’s watch and due to the company’s failure to abide by federal law, its internal code of ethics, and basic human decency—became victims.

If you’re a woman who is competent, qualified, and not afraid to do the job you were hired to do, please stay far away from Citi.

A recent article quotes a Citi spokesperson saying: “We are aware that certain individuals threatening litigation against Citi are attempting to leverage the media to help their efforts. Rather than addressing their allegations in the press, we instead plan to provide our response in the appropriate legal venue.”

Wow.

I’ll say this: I have a lawsuit that the company served me on a golden platter—and a very thorough ethics point report, over 50 pages long, documenting every single factual detail over the course of more than a year. Unfortunately, I’m still too fragile and too broken to proceed.

I mean, look at the current suits—I’d rather just be raped all over again.

And for what it’s worth, Ms. Correspondent—NO ONE wants to be a victim. How dare you insinuate that women are attempting to leverage media or press to support efforts to pursue litigation. How. Dare. You.

I thank God for Ardith. Her courage, strength, and resilience are astounding. I pray for peace over her as Citi continues to publicly defend—just one example—death threats made to her family by a male superior (all a matter of public court record). I pray her journey helps pave the path forward for the systemic change that is desperately necessary.

Citi feels threatened by victims that Citi made victims. And it seems the truth may—finally—be coming out.

And Ms. Correspondent, I suggest you be more mindful in your choice of words. The EEOC is a phone call away, and we are not afraid—despite your distasteful and attempted intimidation. Careful.

To all my fellow former female Citi colleagues: you are not alone. And together, our voices may just be enough this time.