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I would like to inquire on a complex situation that has developed between a person accused of harassment (A) by a female co-worker (B), and the consequent damage to the professional reputation of A.
The situation developed when A and B attended a co-worker's (C) house welcoming. C is new to company and had just begun dating B. A and C belonged to the same team. Members of their team left early and A decided to stay awhile before heading home because he was sleepy. B and C crashed on the couch and another couple (also from the same team) crashed in the same room before going home. A was awake and decided to take two photos of B and C together as well as the other couple. The first photo was a full-body shot of B and C sleeping next to each other while the second photo was of B alone showing her face and upper torso. B woke up because of the flash and asked to have a look at the picture on A's phone. A showed it and discovered that B's nipple was showing on the 2nd photo because her top was plunging and she was lying on her side. Naturally, B was surprised and so was A. A didn't notice until B called him on it and demanded that the photos be deleted. A deleted both in front of B. B checked all of A's photos to make sure that no pictures of her were left, became hysterical, and threatened to throw the phone. A left the house along with the other couple. B was left with C who only found out after A and the other couple had left.
The next day, A received numerous angry text messages and phone calls from close friends of B in the company (but not A's team). These messages were full of insults and accusations for what he has done.
I want to know if:
1. A could be terminated from his work because of this incident (even if it occurred outside of the workplace)
2. Could the harsh reaction from co-workers be considered slander?
3. Could B file a legal case against A for taking these pictures (which are non-existent anymore because B demanded A to delete them)?
Hope to hear from you soonest. Thank you in advance.
The situation developed when A and B attended a co-worker's (C) house welcoming. C is new to company and had just begun dating B. A and C belonged to the same team. Members of their team left early and A decided to stay awhile before heading home because he was sleepy. B and C crashed on the couch and another couple (also from the same team) crashed in the same room before going home. A was awake and decided to take two photos of B and C together as well as the other couple. The first photo was a full-body shot of B and C sleeping next to each other while the second photo was of B alone showing her face and upper torso. B woke up because of the flash and asked to have a look at the picture on A's phone. A showed it and discovered that B's nipple was showing on the 2nd photo because her top was plunging and she was lying on her side. Naturally, B was surprised and so was A. A didn't notice until B called him on it and demanded that the photos be deleted. A deleted both in front of B. B checked all of A's photos to make sure that no pictures of her were left, became hysterical, and threatened to throw the phone. A left the house along with the other couple. B was left with C who only found out after A and the other couple had left.
The next day, A received numerous angry text messages and phone calls from close friends of B in the company (but not A's team). These messages were full of insults and accusations for what he has done.
I want to know if:
1. A could be terminated from his work because of this incident (even if it occurred outside of the workplace)
2. Could the harsh reaction from co-workers be considered slander?
3. Could B file a legal case against A for taking these pictures (which are non-existent anymore because B demanded A to delete them)?
Hope to hear from you soonest. Thank you in advance.
