Denny’s Settles Suit Filed by Ex-Waitress

A former waitress at a Denny’s restaurant in Simi Valley who sued the company alleging racial discrimination and sexual harassment by a manager has settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.

Denise Santiago of Simi Valley sought damages in excess of $1 million from Spartanburg, S.C.-based Denny’s Restaurant Corp. She alleged that Robert Bradley, a manager at the company’s eatery at 590 Los Angeles Ave., ridiculed her weight and Latino heritage.

Bradley also made a number of unwanted sexual advances, Santiago alleged.

The alleged verbal abuse and harassment occurred between July and October of last year.

“Both sides have come to an amicable resolution,” said Santiago’s attorney, Jeffrey M. Galen.

The settlement was reached last week, but both sides have been ordered by the court to keep the amount and other details regarding the case confidential.

Attorney R. A. Carrington, who represented Bradley and Denny’s, said the settlement agreement prevents him from commenting about the case.

According to documents filed in Ventura County Superior Court, Bradley allegedly referred to Santiago as “stinkey,” used racial slurs, made unwanted comments about her sex life and asked her to have sex with him.

Santiago claimed Bradley’s continued harassment caused her severe emotional stress, with symptoms including headaches, dizziness, sleeping problems, crying spells, irritability and poor self-esteem.

Despite repeated complaints to Denny’s upper management about Bradley’s behavior, little was done to stop it, Santiago alleged. She quit her job with the restaurant Oct. 29.

“She was forced off the job,” Galen said.