The Bre Tiesi lawsuit centers on serious accusations made by former employees of the reality TV star and “Selling Sunset” cast member Bre Tiesi, also known as Breana Tiesi-Moran. The lawsuit alleges that Tiesi created a hostile work environment characterized by harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, with claims involving verbal abuse, discriminatory behavior, and violations of labor laws. This article will provide a detailed exploration of the background, allegations, legal claims, impacts, current status, and relevant advice regarding this high-profile legal matter.
Background of the Bre Tiesi Lawsuit
The lawsuit against Bre Tiesi was filed in April 2024 by three former employees: her ex-nanny Lucy Poole, former social media manager Amanda Bustard, and former personal assistant and stylist Kenneth Gomez. These individuals allege that during their employment, they were subjected to a toxic work atmosphere that included harassment and discriminatory treatment based on sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Bre Tiesi, known for her role on Netflix’s “Selling Sunset” and her social media presence, reportedly employed these three in various personal and professional capacities.
The case follows growing dissatisfaction and formal complaints from the employees who assert that Tiesi’s behavior violated not only workplace norms but also specific California labor laws.
Parties Involved and Incident Context
The plaintiffs—Poole, Bustard, and Gomez—are individuals who worked directly under Tiesi in roles ranging from childcare to social media management and personal assistance. The defendant, Bre Tiesi, is a public figure with over 1.4 million social media followers and a reputation for high-profile personal and work-related drama showcased on “Selling Sunset.” The lawsuit emerged amid intensified scrutiny of Tiesi’s conduct behind the scenes, contrasting with her public persona.
Details of the Bre Tiesi Lawsuit Allegations or Claims
The main allegations in the Bre Tiesi lawsuit highlight numerous forms of workplace harassment, discrimination, and emotional abuse. According to court filings, Lucy Poole, the former nanny who worked closely with Tiesi and her son, alleged enduring verbal abuse including being called derogatory names such as “short bus riding bitch” and “ADHD idiot.” Poole claims that Tiesi’s treatment became “vulgar and violent” when tasks were not completed satisfactorily. Furthermore, she was allegedly forced to discard items in her son’s closet that could be perceived as feminine or rainbow-themed, which implicated discriminatory attitudes towards LGBTQ identities.
Social media manager Amanda Bustard reported exposure to threatening behavior. Bustard alleged witnessing Tiesi make physical threats towards employees, including statements like “I’m going to kill her” and “I’m going to slam her head against the wall.”
Kenneth Gomez, who is identified as a member of the LGBTQ community, claimed that Tiesi frequently made derogatory and demeaning remarks regarding sexuality and gender identity. The lawsuit describes a work environment where retaliation was common, compounding the emotional toll on the employees.
Additionally, the lawsuit accuses Tiesi of violating multiple sections of the California Labor Code related to proper wages, working hours, and workplace conditions.
Legal Claims and Relevant Laws Involved in the Lawsuit
The plaintiffs’ legal claims in the Bre Tiesi lawsuit are multi-faceted and rooted in employment and anti-discrimination laws as well as labor statutes:
- Workplace Harassment and Hostile Work Environment: Claims based on unlawful harassment due to sex, gender, and sexual orientation, violating federal and California anti-discrimination laws such as the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
- Retaliation: Allegations that employees faced retaliation for complaining or opposing discriminatory practices, which is prohibited under employment law.
- California Labor Code Violations: Specific references are made to breaches in labor regulations regarding hours worked, wage payments, breaks, and other conditions of employment, emphasizing statutory noncompliance.
- Emotional Distress and Damages: Plaintiffs claim severe emotional distress, loss of earnings, and employment benefits, seeking compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $3 million per plaintiff along with legal costs and penalties.
Tiesi’s defense denies creating a hostile environment and asserts she exercised reasonable care to mitigate any alleged harassment or discrimination. Her attorneys maintain her actions were lawful and protected under California law.
Health, Financial, Social, or Industry Impacts of the Lawsuit
The Bre Tiesi lawsuit has significant implications for both individuals involved and the broader industry. On a personal level, the plaintiffs have cited severe emotional and psychological harm resulting from the alleged workplace mistreatment. Financially, the lawsuit demands substantial damages to compensate for income losses and emotional suffering.
Socially, the case highlights issues of workplace discrimination, especially concerning disabilities and LGBTQ rights, bringing such conversations to the forefront within the entertainment and influencer sectors. For the TV and influencer industry, the lawsuit underscores the legal and reputational risks celebrities and personalities face if their employer conduct violates labor and civil rights laws.
Current Status and Recent Developments in the Lawsuit
As of mid-2025, the Bre Tiesi lawsuit remains active in the courts. Key developments include the plaintiffs’ complaints that Tiesi has failed to attend scheduled depositions, prompting court intervention requests. The case continues through pretrial motions and discovery phases with ongoing negotiations over damages.
The lawsuit has drawn media attention, affecting Tiesi’s public and professional image. Despite the serious accusations, no final resolution or settlement has been publicly announced, and the case is expected to proceed further in litigation or trial if no settlement is reached.
Consumer Advice and Business Consequences Related to the Lawsuit
Though primarily an employment dispute, the Bre Tiesi lawsuit offers lessons for both consumers of public figures’ brands and businesses alike. Consumers should stay informed about the ethical practices of personalities they support, especially those with significant influence.
For businesses and personalities managing employees, the case is a cautionary tale emphasizing the importance of maintaining compliant, respectful workplaces with transparent policies on harassment and discrimination. Failure to do so can lead to costly litigation, reputational damage, and loss of public trust.
Guidance for Employers and Influencers
- Implement clear anti-harassment policies and training.
- Ensure compliance with local labor laws, including wage and hour regulations.
- Foster an inclusive environment free from discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
- Address employee concerns promptly and fairly to avoid escalation.
Conclusion
The Bre Tiesi lawsuit is a prominent example of how public figures can face significant legal challenges stemming from their personal and professional conduct as employers. It highlights critical issues of workplace harassment, discrimination, and labor law compliance while emphasizing the growing scrutiny on celebrities and influencers in their roles as employers.
The lawsuit’s outcome may serve as an important precedent in employment law enforcement in entertainment circles, reinforcing the necessity of equitable and lawful treatment of employees. For the public and industry alike, it reinforces the importance of accountability and respectful conduct within all professional settings.
