FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Makarem & Associates filed two sexual harassment lawsuits on September 19th, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, against YOGURTLAND FRANCHISING, INC., CG YOGURT, LLC, and GERARDO MELGAR. Case numbers: 25NWCV03345 and 25NWCV03346
LOS ANGELES – March 10th, 2026– YOGURTLAND FRANCHISING, INC., CG YOGURT, LLC (“YOGURTLAND), and GERARDO MELGAR (“MELGAR”), are facing lawsuits alleging that YOGURTLAND failed to protect two female employees from sexual harassment- both were 17 years old at the time of harassment by their supervisor: MELGAR.
Both Plaintiffs began working at YOGURTLAND on or around April 2023. The Complaint alleges that during both Plaintiffs’ employment, MELGAR was a supervisor at YOGURTLAND. Throughout their employment, the Complaint alleges that MELGAR created a hostile work environment by repeatedly sexually harassing Plaintiffs and their co-workers. When Plaintiffs started their employment, the Complaint alleges that MELGAR was at least 19 years old, while both Plaintiffs were 17 years old.
The Complaint alleges that the harassment began shortly after the Plaintiffs started their employment at YOGURTLAND. According to the Complaint, one of the Plaintiffs experienced harassment that included MELGAR forcibly kissing her despite her attempt to push him away, and attempting to touch her thigh while trying to kiss her. The Complaint also alleges that both Plaintiffs were subjected to sexual and inappropriate comments, including but not limited to: comments about the Plaintiffs’ bodies, comments about his own sexual experiences, sexual references, and telling one Plaintiff that a doctor prescribed her to sit on his face, or words to that effect.
MELGAR also bragged that another female employee would send him pictures of herself in her underwear, alleges the Complaint. This female employee was promoted to a managerial position within several months, with MELGAR’s help. After bringing this up, MELGAR would ask one Plaintiff what she thought about becoming a manager, implying that he could help her if she gave in to his sexual advances, the Complaint alleges.
The Complaint alleges an anonymous report was made to YOGURTLAND regarding MELGAR’s misconduct, prompting the District Supervisor to come to the store to question employees about the report. Upon information and belief, no action was taken in response to the Plaintiffs’ complaints, and both Plaintiffs were forced to work closely with MELGAR after complaining. Because of the hostile work environment that Defendants permitted, Plaintiffs were both forced to quit.
For more information or to confidentially discuss a potential claim, please contact Makarem & Associates at 1-800-610-9646 or [email protected].
About Makarem & Associates: Makarem & Associates is a compassionate and dedicated California law firm focused on representing victims of workplace sexual harassment, retaliation, and discrimination. The firm is also committed to securing justice for victims of sexual assault and advocating for consumer rights.
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