In a dramatic legal confrontation, a former employee has taken action against a prominent construction company, alleging severe racial discrimination and harassment. The complaint was filed by Antoine Gentle on January 27, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Plant Construction Company, L.P., and other unnamed defendants.
Antoine Gentle's lawsuit details a troubling series of events that he claims occurred during his employment with Plant Construction Company. According to the complaint, Gentle was subjected to race-based harassment and discrimination while working at a job site in Oakland, California. He alleges that his supervisor and colleagues created a hostile work environment through racial slurs and derogatory behavior. "Plaintiff experienced harassment by Jose Virgen," states the complaint, describing an incident where Gentle was mocked with racist gestures and language. The situation escalated when Gentle confronted the behavior but found no resolution or support from his employer.
Gentle's accusations extend beyond personal mistreatment; he claims that Plant Construction Company failed to take necessary steps to prevent such discrimination and harassment. He cites violations of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), specifically Government Code § 12940, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race. Furthermore, Gentle accuses the company of retaliating against him for opposing these discriminatory practices by wrongfully terminating his employment under false pretenses.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress and financial losses resulting from what he describes as "unlawful acts" by the defendants. Additionally, he demands punitive damages to serve as a deterrent against future misconduct by the company or others in similar positions. The complaint also requests attorneys' fees and costs associated with litigation.
Representing Antoine Gentle is attorney Danielle Gilliland from her law office in Hayward, California. The case has been assigned Case No.: CGC-25-621823 in the Superior Court of California for San Francisco County.