Bartender Sues Cleveland Hilton Over Alleged Sexual Assaults

Lawsuit claims hotel managers ignored repeated reports of harassment and assault by a male coworker.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:40pm

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A bartender at the Hilton hotel in Downtown Cleveland has filed a lawsuit alleging that her boss ignored repeated claims that she was sexually assaulted by a male coworker. The lawsuit accuses the other employee, referred to as 'Lane,' of constantly sexually harassing fellow employees and committing five separate incidents of sexual assault against the bartender, Leah Lupica.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual harassment and assault in the hospitality industry, where power dynamics and a perceived lack of accountability can enable abusive behavior. The lawsuit also raises questions about how employers respond to such allegations and their responsibility to provide a safe work environment for all employees.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the first incident of assault happened on Nov. 4, 2023, when Lane allegedly came up behind Lupica and pushed his erection into her. Lupica and two other employees reported the incident to a manager, but the harassment continued. In May 2024, Lupica said Lane sexually assaulted her again, and when she reported it, the manager 'laughed at her and asked if Lupica was just taking it the wrong way.' The last alleged assault was in August 2024, when Lupica said Lane tried to put his hand down her underwear. After that incident, Lupica reported the assault to a different manager, and Lane quit 'immediately.'

  • The first incident of assault happened on Nov. 4, 2023.
  • The second alleged assault occurred in May 2024.
  • The final alleged assault took place in August 2024.

The players

Leah Lupica

A bartender at the Hilton hotel in Downtown Cleveland who has worked at the hotel since 2021 and filed the lawsuit alleging sexual assault and harassment by a male coworker.

Lane

A male barback at the Hilton hotel who is accused in the lawsuit of constantly sexually harassing fellow employees and committing five separate incidents of sexual assault against Lupica.

Claire Wade

The attorney representing Lupica in the lawsuit against the Hilton hotel.

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What they’re saying

“While Lupica was at work, Lane came up behind Lupica and pushed his erection into her, mimicking sexual activity. Lupica was able to escape before Lane reached completion.”

— Leah Lupica, Bartender

“When she and a colleague reported it to a boss, the manager 'laughed at her and asked if Lupica was just taking it the wrong way'.”

— Leah Lupica, Bartender

What’s next

The case has been assigned to Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Carl Mazzone, who will oversee the proceedings.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, particularly in industries with power imbalances and a perceived lack of accountability. It underscores the need for employers to take such allegations seriously and implement robust policies to protect all employees.