A model who collaborated with Hyundai during the New York International Auto Show in April reported that she was dismissed from her role after experiencing her menstrual cycle at work, as stated by The New York Post.
Rachel Rickert, 27, was informed of her termination by her agent, Erika Seifred, on April 15, according to the Post.
In a complaint filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Rickert alleged that, “Hyundai heard about Ms. Rickert having her menstrual cycle and they didn’t want Ms. Rickert representing the company anymore,” as reported by the Post.
Rickert said that on April 13, she had spent three hours welcoming guests at the Hyundai exhibit before she was allowed to use the restroom. She explained that she couldn’t reach the bathroom in time to change her tampon.
“I’m not going to let someone tell me I can’t have my period while I work. It’s unacceptable,” Rickert told the Post.
Following the incident, she notified Seifred that she needed to change out of her now-soiled Hyundai uniform. However, her agent informed her that Hyundai had requested she not return for the remainder of the day due to her “period situation,” as stated in the complaint according to the Post.
Rickert found this request upsetting, as she was being paid hourly and had planned to work longer hours. Two days later, Seifred called Rickert to inform her that she had been terminated.
“She called me and essentially said that Hyundai didn’t want me representing them anymore at the show because they heard about my menstrual cycle,” Rickert remarked to the Post. “They act like we’re not human. I refuse to feel ashamed about having my period.”
The article noted that Rickert claimed she had not received any of the $5,000 she expected to earn at the auto show.
This incident may potentially lead to a discrimination lawsuit in federal court.
In response, a Hyundai spokesperson stated to the Post, “We take any complaint like this seriously and will respond appropriately once we have a chance to investigate the merits of the claim.”
UPDATE (June 1, 9:20 a.m. EST): A Hyundai representative has provided the following statement to The Drive:
“After conducting an initial investigation, it is clear that Rachel Rickert was let go as a Hyundai brand ambassador at the New York Auto Show strictly due to her poor performance. She was hired as a contractor by a third-party vendor and did not represent the company in a professional manner with colleagues and guests at the Hyundai auto show booth.
Hyundai has not yet received a complaint from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission but will contest it vigorously and will continue to investigate the situation.”
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