The complaint filed by Siqi Huang in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, on October 7, 2024, accuses LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd., Ador E-Commerce Inc., and Jian He of severe misconduct. The lawsuit alleges sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and failure to prevent such actions within the workplace. The case sheds light on the alleged toxic environment fostered by Jian He, the CEO and Chairman of LightInTheBox.
Siqi Huang began her employment with LightInTheBox and Ador E-Commerce as a Design Lead in June 2023. Her role quickly escalated to a Design Manager position with significant responsibilities. However, according to Huang's complaint, her tenure was marred by unwanted advances and inappropriate behavior from Jian He. Allegedly starting with private conversations about personal matters like family planning, He's conduct reportedly escalated to suggestive comments and physical contact that made Huang feel uncomfortable and threatened.
Huang recounts several instances where He allegedly expressed his desire for an intimate relationship beyond professional boundaries. On one occasion in August 2023, he purportedly outlined a three-stage progression for their relationship culminating in intimacy. Despite Huang's clear rejections and discomfort, the harassment reportedly continued unabated. Additionally, she claims that her professional environment became increasingly hostile after she opposed He's advances.
Throughout this period, Huang states that no meaningful action was taken by the company's HR department or other executives despite her complaints. Instead, she faced retaliatory actions including changes in reporting lines intended to marginalize her within the company. This culminated in what she describes as a constructive discharge from her position when she felt forced to resign due to ongoing harassment and lack of support.
Huang is seeking relief through various forms of damages: special, general, compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress; punitive damages for the defendants' malicious conduct; attorney fees; costs of suit; pre-judgment interest; and injunctive relief preventing further violations. She has demanded a jury trial to address these grievances comprehensively.
Representing Siqi Huang is attorney Calvin Chang from CAL LAW APC. The case is presided over by Judge P. Hernandez under Case ID 24CV448971.