Michael Abenante, a waiter at Emilio’s Pizzeria & Ristorante in Long Island, New York, has filed a lawsuit against his former boss, Emilio Branchinelli over verbal and physical harassment he endured while employed at the restaurant.
Abenante claims in the suit that restaurant employees taunted him over his sexual orientation, slapping his buttocks and referring to him using homophobic slurs. Abenante further claims he complained multiple times about his treatment at the hands of co-workers, but Branchinelli never took action. Things came to a head in November 2019 when Abenante wore a pair of black Converse sneakers to work. That, according to the former waiter, triggered a violent altercation with his boss.
The sight of the sneakers so enraged Branchinelli that he shouted “find another f*cking job,” and ordered Abenante to go buy another pair of shoes. When the waiter returned, Branchinelli flew into a violent tirade.
Related: A bunch of Fox News anchors have just been accused of rape and sexual harassment in damning lawsuit
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
You look like a f**king homo mountain climber, are you f*cking stupid?” Branchenielli allegedly screamed. “You and your c*nt mother both should’ve died when she pushed you out!”
The boss then chased his employee from the restaurant, shouting more homophobic slurs including “F*cking faggot, I’ll murder you.”. He also allegedly punched Abenante in the mouth so hard, Abenante spit a tooth.
Abenante’s lawsuit charges Branchinelli with civil rights violations, discrimination and civil battery. Another former employee, Sabrina Kozminsky, has joined Michael Abenante in the lawsuit, also alleging she suffered sexual harassment while on the job.
Queerty reached out to Branchinelli regarding the lawsuit. At the time of this writing, he had not responded to our request for comment.
rray63
Now the trial by social media will begin…
vinnieboiblue
Sometimes, that is the best way to bring attention to a problem that has grown under Trump and his hatred.
stagehand1
As it should.
Heywood Jablowme
Social media “canceling” sometimes has its drawbacks, but remember what it was like before the online stuff. *Maybe* the news item would get into the local paper, Newsday, and possibly the NY Daily News, and be reported sympathetically to the victim. “Maybe” a couple of local TV news shows would pick it up, but they tended to be vaguely anti-gay at best. Then, probably nothing would happen.
boymikefl
These homophobes can’t handle their same sex feelings. Go punch a wall, big daddy.
Cam
Homophobia on Long Island???? You don’t say!!!
vinnieboiblue
Throw out the discrimination charge and replace it with hate crime. As for the coworkers who groped him, name them then have them fired.
wooly101
Sue the bastards, take them to the cleaners.
rallidriver
if this is true… no one should support this establishment. Bankrupt them… we make choices, there are repercussions.
Heywood Jablowme
Black Converse sneakers are gay? They make you look like a h*mo mountain climber? Cool, I’m buying some right away!
barryaksarben
I have two pairs. One is green plaid and the other purple and yellow so I guess I wont bother to apply for that opening. I do hope that place fails and the owner is sued to the poor house
GayEGO
Black sneakers are butch, what is the matter with this so-called boss, he needs to be fired!