Cold Pizza host Jay Crawford and regular guest Woody Paige acc. of sexual harassment

[Oakland Red]

2nd UPDATE: ESPN, 'Cold Pizza' Producer Sued For Harassment


Jay Crawford and Woody Paige of former ESPN show Cold Pizza accused of sexual harassment:

In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan, Rita Ragone alleged the " sexually charged atmosphere" on the "Cold Pizza" set in Manhattan created a hostile work environment and that she was sexually harassed by Jay Crawford, one of the hosts of "Cold Pizza," and Woody Paige, one of the show's frequent panelists.


Ragone alleged she frequently complained about their behavior, but was told by an ESPN production executive that Paige and Crawford were "untouchable" and told to "keep quiet" by the general manager for Atlantic Video, a Washington production company that produces the show for ESPN.


"The sexual harassment Ms. Ragone endured during almost her entire length of employment with Atlantic Video for ESPN Cold Pizza was pervasive and open," the lawsuit said. "ESPN supervisors and other ESPN Cold Pizza talent repeatedly witnessed the sexual harassment and condoned the repulsive behavior of defendants Paige and Crawford."


The final episode of "Cold Pizza" aired in May, the lawsuit said.


Ragone, who worked as a make-up artist for Atlantic Video from February 2005 to April 2006, claims it was apparent Paige and Crawford had engaged in similar sexual harassment towards other female employees, but the behavior "was not only ignored, but considered humorous by Atlantic Video and ESPN management."


According to the lawsuit, Ragone alleged that she endured harassing behavior on a daily basis, including vulgar and obscene sexual proposals, Paige grabbing her buttocks several times despite her objections and Crawford, on one occasion, forcing her into the corner of a room and telling her "he wanted her."

The lawsuit said Ragone contemplated leaving on several occasions due to the harassment, but she was dependent on the steady income from her job to care for her mother, who suffers from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis and other health problems.