Celebrity Trainer Mario Godiva Takes Stand Against Alleged Illegal Behavior at Equinox
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) June 22, 2023 -- Mario Godiva, a renowned fitness expert and Group Fitness Instructor, has filed a federal discrimination charge (charge number 488-2023-00143) against Equinox La Costa on December 22, 2022, and a federal inquiry (inquiry number 488-2023-00724) on May 18, 2023.
“Equinox has employed me since around April 2010, and during that time, I have faced consistent deprioritization and unfair treatment despite my recognized talent,” Godiva said. “Ironically enough, this was happening while serving as a media spokesperson on behalf of Equinox.”
One particularly egregious event occurred during a cycling class when Godiva was subjected to racial slurs from a member who used a derogatory term, he said. Despite reporting the incident, Equinox allegedly failed to take any action.
His complaint alleges that Equinox engaged in preferential treatment of mostly white instructors, discrimination based on Godiva’s race, sexual orientation, sex, age, and disability, and retaliation for complaining about discriminatory practices.
“I have struggled to reach a full-time working schedule, and I immediately noticed that I was consistently being deprioritized. In addition to that, I am paid less than my white counterparts,” according to a complaint filed to the EEOC and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The filing names manager Ashley Erickson as the person responsible for the action.
“Their elitism and sense of superiority often lead to racist ideals that manifest in discriminatory behavior,” Godiva said.
Further, after returning from an approved medical leave between June and September 2022, Godiva discovered that his classes were reassigned without a clear explanation. The manager reassigned his classes to herself and other white instructors that Godiva alleges are favorites.
"Implicit perceptions are routinely placed on minorities; decisions are made for us, and not by us." said Godiva
After filing a charge of discrimination, the complaint said he faced further adverse action. While Godiva works to find justice against the unlawful treatment through the EEOC, a separate federal inquiry into the alleged misconduct has been filed.
“Since then, I have suffered negative job actions because I complained,” according to the EEOC inquiry. “I have been routinely harassed by management about my service animal and experienced nit-picking and power tripping.”
As the process continues, Godiva hopes others that have been the subject of discrimination at Equinox will come forward.
“I am available to help anyone that has been subjected to the same difficult situation I find myself in,” Godiva said. “As the EEOC continues their investigation, they will seek out complaints from others, and I encourage anyone that has been discriminated against in the last year to reach out to me personally to guide them through the process.”
“There is an epidemic of people who I call quietly racist. These people hold positions of power and secretly harbor ill feelings for people in protected categories.” Godiva said.
Mr. Godiva’s social media hashtags that feature coverage of his challenges with discrimination are #dtoo #discriminationtoo.
About Mario Godiva
Mario Godiva is a world-renowned fitness expert, celebrity trainer, and holistic health coach who is passionate about mind, body, and personal transformation. With over 20 years of experience, Godiva has been tapped as an expert and featured in over 50 TV appearances and media interviews, such as The New York Times, ABC Nightline, and CNN, just to name a few.
Godiva has worked with a variety of celebs, entrepreneurs, executives, and the average person that is committed to radical change. Godiva's accolades include "One of NY's Hottest Workouts" by the NY Post, "Best Workout for Legs" by Timeout Magazine NY, and "Chicago's Best Workout" by the Chicago Tribune.
Website: http://mariogodiva.com
Instagram: @mariogodiva
Facebook: @mariogodivaofficial
Jack Waters, Mario Godiva Fitness, https://mariogodiva.com/, 1 6193453176, [email protected]
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