Amazon Employee Alleges Senior Executive Raped Her During New York Business Trip

An Amazon Web Services (AWS) employee has filed a lawsuit against the e-commerce giant, alleging that a senior executive raped her during a business trip to New York City in October 2023 and that the company subsequently failed to investigate her complaint adequately. Laura Danbom, a marketing and operations manager based in Seattle, accused Michelangelo Simonte, an advertising executive working in Madrid, of sexually assaulting her following a company-sponsored event. The lawsuit alleges that Amazon failed to protect her after she reported the incident and instead required her to continue professional interactions with the executive.

According to the complaint, the alleged incident occurred on October 27, 2023, after Danbom and several colleagues attended an Amazon-hosted gathering featuring an open bar before visiting karaoke bars. The activities were paid for by the company. Danbom alleged that Simonte accompanied her to her hotel room, where the assault took place. She said she reported the incident to the New York Police Department, informed colleagues and subsequently raised the matter with Amazon's human resources department. The allegations are part of a civil lawsuit and have not been established in court.

The lawsuit claims Amazon's internal investigation did not adequately examine the available evidence or interview important witnesses. Danbom alleged that the company ultimately concluded there was insufficient evidence to substantiate her complaint. According to the filing, police collected a condom containing DNA evidence, but investigators did not obtain a DNA sample from Simonte for comparison. Her lawyers have also questioned whether Amazon obtained and reviewed the relevant police records before reaching its decision. The complaint argues that these alleged shortcomings undermined the investigation and left Danbom without adequate workplace protection.

Also Read: Indian-Origin Man Mourns Daughter Killed In New York, Wife Accused In Case

Danbom has further accused Amazon of creating a hostile work environment and violating Washington state's Silenced No More Act, which protects workers from certain restrictions on discussing workplace discrimination, harassment and sexual assault. She alleged that the company instructed her not to discuss the complaint at work because it was considered confidential. She also claimed she was expected to continue working with Simonte despite having reported the alleged assault. To avoid further contact, Danbom eventually transferred to another department, alleging that the move cost her a promotion opportunity.

Amazon said it takes allegations of workplace sexual misconduct and violence extremely seriously and maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards such behaviour. The company said it investigates reports and takes appropriate action, including termination, when employees are found to have violated its policies. However, it declined to comment further on the pending litigation. Danbom is seeking legal redress over the company's handling of her complaint, with her lawyers arguing that employers must provide employees with a safe environment to report misconduct. The case is expected to examine Amazon's response to the allegations and its obligations under Washington state law.

Also Read: Mamdani’s October 7 Anniversary Restaurant Visit Triggers Debate Over His New York Engagements