A California woman has filed a lawsuit against her employers, alleging a hostile work environment due to sexual harassment. Morgan Andrich, the plaintiff, filed the complaint on April 11, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for Ventura County against PhD Fitness LLC, Bowleg Media LLC, and Michael McErlane. The case brings to light serious allegations of inappropriate behavior and seeks justice for the emotional distress caused.
Morgan Andrich claims that during her employment with PhD Fitness LLC and Bowleg Media LLC, she was subjected to severe and pervasive sexual harassment by Michael McErlane, a managing agent of both companies. According to the complaint, McErlane's actions included making crude sexual gestures and comments towards Andrich and others in the office. The alleged misconduct intensified after Andrich's father left his position at the company in October 2024. Among other things, McErlane is accused of pretending to masturbate in front of employees and making derogatory remarks about women’s bodies. "He would often make objectifying comments such as 'she has great tits' or 'very nice ass,'" the complaint states.
The lawsuit accuses PhD Fitness LLC and Bowleg Media LLC of failing to prevent sexual harassment in violation of Government Code § 12940(k) and providing inaccurate wage statements contrary to Labor Code § 226(a). Andrich asserts that despite expressing discomfort with McErlane's behavior, no action was taken by her employers to address or rectify the situation. As a result, she continues to feel humiliated and unsafe at work.
In her filing, Andrich is seeking various forms of relief from the court. She demands actual damages for emotional distress suffered due to the hostile work environment. Additionally, she seeks compensatory noneconomic damages and punitive damages against the defendants for their alleged willful disregard of her rights under California law. The complaint also requests an order mandating anti-harassment training for all employees at JYM Supplement Science (PhD Fitness LLC) and Bowleg Media LLC.
Representing Morgan Andrich are attorneys Marshall A. Caskey, Daniel M. Holzman, and N. Cory Barari from Caskey & Holzman law firm based in Calabasas, California. The case is being presided over by Judge Sremda L., with Case ID: 2FOFSCIIMEO41690.