Teddi Mellencamp, former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, is facing a serious lawsuit from her former housekeeper, Julia Umana, who has accused the reality TV star of racial discrimination, unfair treatment, and wrongful termination. Umana, who worked as a live-in nanny and housekeeper for Mellencamp, is seeking over $2 million in damages.
In the lawsuit obtained by TMZ, Julia Umana claims that her experience working for Teddi Mellencamp was far from the glamorous job she expected. The immigrant from El Salvador alleges that Mellencamp created a hostile work environment by abusing her power, shorting her pay, and making derogatory remarks about her ethnicity. Umana describes being treated significantly worse than her white colleagues, with claims of being accused of theft despite there being cameras in the house.
Additionally, Umana asserts that Teddi mocked her for speaking Spanish, using a condescending tone that she did not direct at her white employees. This disparity in treatment is central to Umana’s argument that she was subjected to racial harassment.
The lawsuit also highlights the financial struggles Umana faced during her employment. She claims that despite working three 12-hour shifts, she was only paid $325, which she felt was unjust for the long hours she put in. When she voiced her concerns about the low pay, Umana says she was fired without warning or justification, leading her to accuse Teddi of wrongful termination.
Now, Umana is not only seeking compensation for unpaid wages but also pursuing more than $2 million in damages for the alleged mistreatment and racial discrimination. The lawsuit paints a troubling picture of how a celebrity employer treated one of their staff, and it’s raising questions about the power dynamics in celebrity households.
Teddi Mellencamp, who has been receiving support and sympathy from fans due to her ongoing health battle with brain tumors, has yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit. While she has remained silent on this matter, her legal team will likely be preparing to address the allegations in court.
