Law Commons^™

Hooters: Should There Be An Assumption Of Risk Defense To Some Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment Claims?, Kelly C. Timmons

Vanderbilt Law Review

In 1993 several former waitresses at the restaurant "Hooters" sued the chain for sexual harassment. The lawsuits alleged that Hooters established a work environment in which its customers felt free to make sexual comments and advances to its waitresses.' Examples of the offensive nature of the work environment included the name of the restaurant ("Hooters," a slang term for women's breasts) and the sexually provocative uniforms the waitresses were required to wear. Responses to the lawsuits varied widely. Some individuals took the view that Hooters should be found liable for the sexual harassment of its waitresses by its customers, while …