Full Breakdown
Former Employee Sues NHL and Anaheim Ducks Over Harassment and Retaliation
1/7/2026, 1:10:24 PM
Allegations of Harassment and Discrimination
Rose Harris, a former IT Coordinator for the Anaheim Ducks and OC Sports and Entertainment (OCSE), has filed a lawsuit against both entities, alleging she experienced sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination during her employment from July 2022 to December 2024. The lawsuit claims that Harris was subjected to "repeated and unchecked" harassment, including nonconsensual sexualized touching and a barrage of vulgar, sexist, and derogatory comments, some of which included homophobic slurs.
The lawsuit specifically names Nick Aguilera, a former member of the OCSE public relations team, who allegedly engaged in unwanted physical contact and made inappropriate jokes. Harris asserts that Aguilera falsely claimed they were in a sexual relationship, leading to further derogatory remarks from other staff members. Additionally, she claims that equipment managers for the Ducks harassed her with similar comments.
Harris reported these incidents to OCSE's human resources department, which allegedly acknowledged that company policies had been breached but failed to take any corrective action. Consequently, Harris resigned in December 2024 and began a new position with the NHL's front office in January 2025.
Retaliation Claims
Harris's lawsuit also alleges that after she began working for the NHL, OCSE conspired to undermine her career. She claims that someone from her former employer informed Patrice Distler, the NHL's senior vice president and chief human resources officer, that Harris was a "sexual harassment victim and adverse witness to a confidential legal proceeding" involving another former Ducks employee, Katherine Pearson. Following this, Harris was assigned a task related to Distler's email, after which she was accused of hacking and subsequently fired without any documentation to support the claim.
Harris contends that both the NHL and OCSE have continued to "blacklist" her within the sports industry, making it difficult for her to find employment.
Legal Proceedings and Damages Sought
In her lawsuit, Harris is seeking punitive damages against the NHL and OCSE. As of now, ESPN has reached out to both organizations for comments regarding the allegations but has not received a response.
Criticism and Opposition
The allegations made by Harris highlight significant concerns regarding workplace culture within the NHL and its affiliated organizations. Critics of the NHL and OCSE have pointed to this lawsuit as indicative of broader issues related to harassment and discrimination in professional sports environments.
What's Next
The lawsuit will proceed through the legal system, and further developments are anticipated as both parties prepare for potential court proceedings. The outcome may have implications not only for Harris but also for workplace policies and practices within the NHL and similar organizations.
