A former executive from Moët Hennessy alleged that a male supervisor suggested she needed “anti-seduction” training prior to her refusal to promote her. This claim is part of a broader pattern of complaints regarding bullying and sexual harassment within the renowned French wine and spirits company.
Maria Gasparovic, who served as Chief of Staff to Jean-Marc Lacave, the Global Distribution Director for LVMH, alleged that he faced “basically unfounded sexist rumors” until his termination in June 2024.
She recounted a conversation where Lacave mentioned that clients perceived her as “spewing it out” when discussing an upcoming promotion he was hesitant to grant.
After a request for comment, Lacave chose not to respond.
Gasparovic’s accusations against LVMH have circulated on social media and were previously detailed by the Financial Times.
Before her dismissal, she reportedly filed whistleblower complaints addressing harassment and discrimination issues. However, her legal filings claim a formal investigation was never conducted.
Moët Hennessy allegedly accused her of impersonating another employee while on medical leave and making intimidating statements to colleagues, leading some within the company to suspect she was attempting to blackmail them.
Gasparovic has firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that she adhered to the whistleblower guidelines. She emphasized, “My personal life is protected by French law,” and highlighted the importance of dignity for women in the workplace.
She also claimed that the former CEO, Philippe Schaus, directed HR to delve into her personal life, suggesting a connection to another executive.
Gasparovic isn’t the only one affected. At least four women working at Moët Hennessy in Paris reported incidents of bullying and harassment before departing, with issues resolved after submissions to three employment tribunals.
Sources told the Financial Times that her termination is emblematic of a wider issue related to a toxic work culture, noting that in 2024, around 20 employees at headquarters took extended sick leave.
Some described an alarming trend: many staff members were absent for unexpected durations, leading to recognition among senior leadership of the unusual absence rates. Stress and bullying emerged as recurrent complaints, with several choosing to leave the organization.
“Gossip and rumors were prevalent at Moët Hennessy,” remarked one insider, while another pointed out a “boys club” mentality thriving in the environment.
Men among the staff have also brought forth complaints regarding their experiences.
In light of the allegations, Schaus, Lacave, and several other executives departed LVMH, including Chantal Gaemperle, the global HR head.
While Moët Hennessy refrained from commenting on the specific allegations, they acknowledged that labor court matters are a routine aspect of the French legal framework. An insider further noted that employees taking sick leave is not unusual and declined to define the culture at Moët Hennessy.
When one woman raised concerns about rumors surrounding her relationship with a male executive, she reported that her HR manager told her she’d simply have to “get used to it.”
“The higher you go in an organization, the more you hear this happens,” she noted. “Moët Hennessy is a kingdom of rumors.”
Moët Hennessy has since initiated a lawsuit against Gasparovic, alleging defamation due to a social media post related to her case, with a trial anticipated this fall.
Gasparovic’s partner, Mark Stead, the former COO who had attended the HR meeting with her, was also let go shortly after her termination. He faced accusations of misusing company travel and expenses, and he later countered with legal claims that he had shared privileged information with Gasparovic.
Stead is currently suing the company, claiming wrongful termination as retaliation for supporting whistleblowers.
In a September 2024 staff memo, Schaus and HR leader Paula Fallowfield recognized the rising concerns among employees.
They assured workers that each case would be handled thoughtfully, fairly, and consistently, aligned with confidentiality and company values. They cautioned that “one-sided stories could trigger” issues, reinforcing their commitment to a positive work atmosphere and to preserving Moët Hennessy’s reputation.
In early 2023, LVMH’s performance within the division was notably poor, leading to recent announcements of plans to cut approximately 1,200 positions, about 13% of its workforce, in response to declining sales. These cultural challenges, some believe, will exacerbate pressures already existing due to the need to reduce expenses.
