South Bay : LAWSUIT FILED

Four former and two present employees of Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets in the South Bay have filed suit against the fast food chain and one of its managers for alleged sexual harassment and discrimination.

The suit alleges that between 1992 and 1994, former KFC Area Manager Robert Wyatt, 39, forced female employees at 19 KFC stores in the South Bay to engage in sexual activities with him as a condition of keeping their jobs, according to the plaintiff’s attorney, Corin Kahn. The suit, filed Aug. 11 in Los Angeles Superior Court, also alleges that Wyatt denied promotions to female employees who would not consent to sexual activity and passed over qualified male employees in favor of females who unwillingly engaged in sex with Wyatt.

The plaintiffs say Wyatt, of Redondo Beach, used threats, embarrassed employees and punished those who complained to human resources.

Wyatt could not be reached for comment. KFC spokeswoman Laura Melillo said the company conducted an investigation upon learning of the allegations and found sufficient evidence to terminate Wyatt. KFC is fighting the case on the grounds that it handled the situation appropriately.