Waffle House CEO Joe Rogers responded for the first time to claims of sexual harassment against him by a former employee. He issued a written statement that was distributed by his legal counsel. In the statement, Rogers acknowledged that he had been involved in a sexual relationship with one of his employees for over eight years. However, he maintained the relationship was consensual and did not involve sexual harassment.
Rogers’ statement said that he had been the victim of stupidity on his part, but that he refused to be the victim of extortion.
The employees name was not released as she has been regarded as a victim of a sexual harassment. In her accusations, she said the Waffle House CEO had fondled her and forced her to routinely perform a series of sexual acts on him dating back to 2003.
Rogers, while disputing the woman’s claims, also apologized for the hurt and pain that he caused both his family and wife. While at a hearing this week, Rogers said next to his wife, his private investigator and legal counsel.
The claims had been filed since September, but were completely sealed however, last week some filings were leaked by someone to the media. On Tuesday, a judge ordered the rest to be opened since the public had already become aware of the majority.
Roger’s counsel has stated they received a letter during the summer that requested a meeting to discuss the woman’s allegations and videotapes she had taken. However, the CEO’s lawyers said that letter amounted to nothing more than extortion.
