Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd, owners of TomTom Restaurant & Bar in West Hollywood, California, are facing a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former bartenders. The employees, who worked for Vanderpump and Todd from May to December 2022, allege that they were fired in retaliation for complaining about unfavorable working conditions. One of the former employees also claims that Vanderpump and Todd defamed him to future employers, effectively blacklisting him. The lawsuit states that false statements and comments were made by the couple about his profession, reputation, and character. The ex-employee believes that these rumors were spread with malicious intent.
The bartenders assert that TomTom had unsafe work conditions, including sewage backup in the employee break/locker room. They also claim that they experienced numerous violations of California labor laws, harassment, and unsafe working conditions during their employment. Vanderpump and Todd’s representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment.
TomTom, which is prominently featured on Vanderpump’s reality show “Vanderpump Rules,” is co-owned by Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz. However, they have not been named in the lawsuit. News of the legal filing comes just before the premiere of Season 11 of “Vanderpump Rules,” which will delve into the aftermath of Sandoval’s cheating scandal and its impact on his relationships with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss and Ariana Madix. The new season premieres on January 30th on Bravo.