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Whistleblower Lawsuit Claims Sexism at Bardstown Bourbon Company

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sylvia E. Sanders, former vice president of human resources at Bardstown Bourbon Company, filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging discrimination and retaliation against female executives.
The suit alleges Chief Executive Mark Erwin used derogatory terms toward women, including “pushy bitch.”
The suit states that at least six women were forced out between 2021 and 2024, including Laurel Altman, the marketing director.
Sanders seeks $10 million in damages.
The Pritzker family, linked to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, acquired Bardstown Bourbon Company in 2022, and the company denies the allegations while the defendants have not commented.

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Story summary

Sylvia E. Sanders, former vice president of human resources at Bardstown Bourbon Company, filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging discrimination and retaliation against female executives.
The suit alleges Chief Executive Mark Erwin used derogatory terms toward women, including “pushy bitch.”
The suit states that at least six women were forced out between 2021 and 2024, including Laurel Altman, the marketing director.
Sanders seeks $10 million in damages.
The Pritzker family, linked to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, acquired Bardstown Bourbon Company in 2022, and the company denies the allegations while the defendants have not commented.