Federal Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against The Preserve and Paul Mihailides Moves Forward
GoLocalProv News Team
Federal Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against The Preserve and Paul Mihailides Moves Forward
Also named in the suit are corporations MTM Development and The Preserve at Boulder Hills.
McDaniel is a social media personality and actor who appeared in both television series and movies.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTJudge Smith ruled that four of 13 claims can move forward.
“While we appreciate Judge Smith’s thorough review of the record and thoughtfully written decision, we respectfully disagree with his ruling that Alison was an independent contractor and not an employee of the Preserve. Importantly, Alison’s strongest claims survived – for hostile work environment, quid pro quo sexual harassment, retaliation, and battery," said McDaniel’s attorney Mark P. Gagliardi in an email to GoLocal.
"Alison looks forward to telling her story and seeking justice before a jury of her peers,” he added.
Lawyer for Mihailides and the two corporations, Nicole Benjamin, wrote in an email to GoLocal, "From the outset, the Preserve has known that Ms. McDaniel's claims are baseless. In her statements to the press, her allegations in three verified complaints, her depositions, and her affidavit, Ms. McDaniel repeatedly claimed she had been an employee of the Preserve and her rights were violated.
"The Court has rejected all of those claims and, agreeing with the Preserve and Mr. Mihailides, concluded that the evidence "leaves no doubt that McDaniel was not an employee" of the Preserve. The Court has invited further briefing on whether someone who is not an employee may pursue a claim for retaliation under Rhode Island's Fair Employment Practices Act and the Preserve looks forward to briefing that issue."
As GoLocal first reported, the lawsuit was originally filed in 2023 and then refiled in January of 2024.
In the more recent filing in federal court filed by McDaniel, she sought $20 million for punitive damages, back wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The back wages claim was thrown out by Judge Smith as he ruled she was an independent contractor and not an employee.
The four remaining claims now move forward.
McDaniel's Career
She was hired to oversee marketing, social media, and to appear in ads and promotions for the hunting property in Richmond that features shooting, swimming, golf, and Hobbit Houses.
She had roles in movies such as Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and J. Edgar (Hoover).
She also appeared in television shows ranging from the soap opera Guiding Light to Gossip Girl.
In her promotion of her marketing firm, the Ali McDaniel Agency, she stated, "Great event for some great causes. We are always honored to help you meet your fundraising goals. If you have a clay shoot, golf tournament, banquet, or gala coming up, we specialize in any and all nonprofit fundraising events."
This story was first published 4/17/25 6:25 PM