Tech Employee Files Lawsuit Against Manager for Misinterpreting Email Abbreviations
Allegations emerged when a tech worker in England attempted to sue her former boss, claiming that email abbreviations such as “xx” and “???” were codes suggesting a sexual relationship.
According to a report by the Independent, Karina Gasparova, an IT worker at “paperless global trade management”, filed a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit against her boss, Alexander Goulandris, alleging misbehavior dating back to 2019.
The case was dismissed after an employment tribunal at London Central Court heard Gasparova’s claims.
Gasparova asserted that Goulandris’ use of “xx” in emails indicated attempts to kiss her, “yy” implied sexual contact, and “???” was coded language inquiring about her readiness for a sexual relationship.
Representing herself in court, Gasparova pointed to an email as evidence, arguing that it showed Goulandris’ alleged desire to engage in sexual acts.
“Can you please complete the following: The solution is currently used by xx Agris companies and yy Barge lines in corn cargoes in south-north flows in the ???? waterways,” Goulandris wrote in the email to Gasparova, citing evidence that was heard in court.
“Also, can you remind me of what the balance of the rollout will be and the approx. timing. Thanks.”
The tribunal concluded that the email was a genuine request for information and did not imply Goulandris wanted a sexual relationship.
Gasparova also claimed that Goulandris changing a file name to his initials “AJG” stood for “A Jumbo Genital” and cited additional incidents, including him touching her hand and allegedly staring at her or touching her leg.
The tribunal ruled that the incidents were innocuous and accidental.
The judge dismissed the case, ruling that Gasparova demonstrated a skewed perception of everyday events and a tendency to make extraordinary allegations without evidence.
Gasparova informed senior executives at the company that Goulandris mistreated her because she rejected his advances.
Gasparova, hired in 2019, filed a formal grievance letter in April 2021 against Goulandris over the alleged incidents. She resigned after the complaint was rejected.
Following the ruling, Gasparova was ordered to pay £5,000 to the company to cover legal costs.
