Ex-Moet Hennessy Exec Alleges ‘Anti-Seduction’ Training Demand, Told 'Get Used To Sexism'

Last Updated:July 11, 2025, 20:19 IST

Maria Gasparovic, former Moet Hennessy executive, sued LVMH for sexism and harassment, alleging toxic workplace culture and gendered humiliation.

Maria Gasparovic served as chief of staff to global distribution head Jean-Marc Lacave.

A former top executive at Moet Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of luxury conglomerate LVMH, filed a bombshell lawsuit alleging sexism, harassment and a toxic workplace culture- including being told by male bosses she needed “anti-seduction" training before being denied a promotion. Maria Gasparovic, who served as chief of staff to global distribution head Jean-Marc Lacave, claimed that she was subjected to unfounded rumors, sexualized comments and intrusive scrutiny into her personal life before being abruptly terminated in June 2024.

Among the most disturbing allegations is that in a conversation about her stalled promotion, Lacave allegedly told her she had been described by a client as “gagging for it"- a crude British slang phrase suggesting sexual desperation. The incident, Maria Gasparovic said, exemplifies a culture of gendered humiliation and bullying within the elite ranks of the French beverage empire behind brands like Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot and Hennessy Cognac.

Maria Gasparovic’s allegations were first reported by the Financial Times.

Whistleblower Silenced?

Maria Gasparovic says she filed an internal whistleblower complaint before her firing, detailing patterns of sex discrimination, intimidation and retaliation. Her lawsuit claims no formal investigation was conducted. Instead, she was fired for allegedly impersonating a colleague while on sick leave and making “threatening" remarks to coworkers.

“Private life is protected by law in France," Maria Gasparovic told the FT, adding, “Dignity matters, especially for women at work." She also alleged that former CEO Philippe Schaus ordered the HR department to probe her private life, suspecting she was romantically involved with another executive.

A Culture Of Fear And Disappearance At The Company

At least four other women reportedly filed complaints of bullying and harassment before leaving Moet Hennessy’s Paris headquarters. Three cases have been settled quietly through the employment tribunal system. In 2024, more than 20 staff members reportedly went on long-term sick leave, many citing stress and workplace abuse, a dozen current and former employees told the FT. Several insiders described the office environment as toxic and dominated by a ‘boys’ club’ mentality.

Paris, France

News world Ex-Moet Hennessy Exec Alleges ‘Anti-Seduction’ Training Demand, Told 'Get Used To Sexism'