NHL and Anaheim Ducks Embroiled in Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Harassment and Bullying
A former employee of the Anaheim Ducks and the National Hockey League (NHL) has filed a lawsuit against both organizations, alleging that she faced repeated sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination during her time working for the teams. Rose Harris, who was hired as an IT Coordinator in July 2022, claims that she was subjected to “repeated and unchecked” harassment and bullying, including nonconsensual sexualized touching, vulgar comments, and homophobic slurs.
According to the lawsuit, Harris was harassed by Nick Aguilera, a former member of the OCSE public relations team, who allegedly made unwanted physical contact and jokes, and told other staff members that he and Harris were in a sexual relationship. Harris also claims that the Ducks’ equipment managers made derogatory remarks about her, with one allegedly telling other employees that he and Harris were in a sexual relationship. The lawsuit states that Harris reported the alleged harassment to OCSE human resources, but was told that while some of the company’s policies may have been breached, no action was taken to stop the behavior.
Allegations of Retaliation and Blacklisting
Harris claims that after she resigned from her position with the Ducks in December 2024 and began working for the NHL’s front office in New York in January 2025, the league and OCSE conspired to have her terminated. According to the lawsuit, someone at OCSE informed the NHL’s senior vice president and chief human resources officer, Patrice Distler, that Harris was a “sexual harassment victim and adverse witness to a confidential legal proceeding” against OCSE and the Ducks. Harris alleges that she was then assigned to work on Distler’s email and was subsequently accused of hacking, leading to her immediate termination.
The lawsuit states that the NHL never produced any documentation of the alleged hacking and that Harris’ electronics were returned to Distler directly. Harris also claims that the NHL and OCSE have continued to “blacklist” her, making it impossible for her to secure employment in the sports industry. Her attorney, Shane Seppinni, stated that “when a qualified professional is allegedly blacklisted for doing the right thing, it sends a message to every woman working in sports: keep your head down or lose your livelihood.”
Seeking Punitive Damages
Harris is seeking punitive damages in the lawsuit, which was filed against the NHL and OCSE. The lawsuit alleges that the organizations failed to provide a safe and respectful work environment, and that they retaliated against Harris for reporting the alleged harassment. The NHL and OCSE have not commented on the lawsuit, despite being reached out to by ESPN.
The lawsuit highlights the ongoing issue of sexual harassment and bullying in the sports industry, and the need for organizations to take allegations seriously and take action to prevent and address such behavior. As Seppinni noted, “we’re bringing this case to prove that the NHL cannot retaliate against women to protect its own ‘old boys club.'” The case is a reminder that all employees deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment, and that organizations must prioritize their well-being and safety above all else.
