Joe Benigno was supposed to return to WFAN on Monday. But that plan has changed according to the New York Daily News.
After being named in a sexual harassment suit by an ex-employee, Benigno is taking a leave of absence from the radio station while his employer, Entercom Communications, works to resolve the case and clear his name.
Lauren Lockwood, a former WFAN sales executive, has filed a five million dollar lawsuit in Brooklyn Civil Court. She claims Benigno would brag about having threesomes with his wife and prostitutes, suggesting she consider joining them.
Lockwood further alleges that Benigno would rub her back, rank women in the office based on their appearance, and show explicit photos of his naked wife and a prostitute.
A statement released by Benigno’s lawyer Arthur Aidala claims the accusations are false.
“He’s denying everything she alleged,” said Aidala. “Joe never showed a naked picture of his wife. That’s absolutely insane. He never propositioned her in any way, shape, or form.”
The former salesperson also accuses the station of conducting inappropriate business by allowing alcohol to be consumed in the workplace, knowingly permitting the practice of taking prospective clients to strip clubs, and creating an uncomfortable environment at events.
During an evening with clients at the Barclays Center, Lockwood claims she was punched in the face while trying to break up a fight between two radio representatives and a guest she had brought to the event. She says the incident resulted in her being the only one suspended.
Time will tell what comes of this situation but for now, one of Entercom’s crown jewel sports radio brands has a huge stain on its image.
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
