Within the last few days, Robert W. Johnson, who is purportedly homeless, has commenced more than 20 federal civil rights lawsuits against hotels, motels, and other places of lodging located in Upstate New York.
The complaints—which also name as defendants government agencies and employees, including NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, as well as private businesses and employees—generally allege that Johnson was denied shelter for “no valid reason” despite presenting documentation from the Department of Social Services indicating that Johnson would receive financial assistance for emergency housing if he could “find a facility that will accept [him] and agency payment.”
In each complaint, Johnson alleges that he was discriminated against and denied due process, and as a result, he is seeking, among other relief, $100 million in punitive damages and 100 percent ownership of the business.
In the event you are served with one of these housing discrimination lawsuits, please do not hesitate to contact one of the attorneys at Barclay Damon.
If you have any questions regarding the content of this alert, please contact Rob Thorpe, partner, at rthorpe@barclaydamon.com, Buster Melvin, partner, at emelvin@barclaydamon.com; or another member of the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Area or Hotels, Hospitality & Food Service Team.
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