DENVER (KDVR) — The operator behind a Western-themed bar and dance hall in Greeley will pay $100,000 to former employees to settle a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

'Murica LLC and its owners were accused of creating a sexually hostile work environment at Starlite Station for male and female employees, "with the owner often touching female employees without their permission; pursuing sexual relationships with multiple female employees; pressuring female employees to let him sleep at their homes; and having sex with an intoxicated employee at the bar, which resulted in the brief loss of the bar’s liquor license," according to the EEOC.

The commission's lawsuit alleged that the business's owner made derogatory, harassing comments about women's appearances after they applied to work at Starlite Station, reportedly saying that certain applicants should not be hired because they were "not f***able," or "too ugly."

The EEOC also alleged that some of Starlite Station's male employees faced unwanted questions about their sex lives, and said the owner made harassing comments to male employees about female employees and applicants.

Additionally, the EEOC alleged that Starlite retaliated against employees who complained about the owner's inappropriate comments and conduct. Some retaliation reached the level of firing or the threat of discipline to employees who complained.

Retaliation allegedly included firings, lawsuit

The EEOC said Starlite also retaliated against employees who complained about or spoke out against the owner’s inappropriate sexual comments and conduct, including by firing or threatening to discipline employees who complained about the owner’s conduct.  

One group of former employees who filed complaints with the EEOC or made statements publicly was subject to a retaliatory defamation lawsuit in state court.

"The EEOC’s complaint stated that the state court lawsuit was an unlawful form of retaliation and that the terms of the state court settlement prohibiting cooperation with the EEOC were illegal and should be voided as a matter of public policy," the EEOC said in a press release.

'Murica LLC and its owners were sued by the EEOC in September 2022 after the commission attempted a pre-litigation settlement.

The EEOC also alleged in court that the owner and his mother, who was a co-owner of the bar, were using the corporation to further personal interests, including using corporate funds to pay a home mortgage, a personal loan and personal credit cards.

Because of this, the EEOC argued that personal assets could be used to pay for any court judgment.

A five-year consent decree was used to resolve the case, according to the EEOC, which said the decree includes paying $100,000 to the injured individuals, as well as required training on equal employment opportunity for managers and employees, an apology letter from the owner to each injured individual, and review and revision of EEO policies by a professional, among other provisions.