A prominent Houston attorney has released additional details about a lawsuit accusing Glenn Hammer, CEO of the Texas Association of Business, of sexual misconduct and retaliation.
The suit, filed in Travis County, was announced by attorney Tony Buzbee.
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Buzbee’s firm represents a plaintiff identified as “Jane Doe,” who the lawsuit says is the founder and executive director of the Texas Venture Alliance (TVA).
According to the petition, TVA partnered with the Texas Association of Business (TAB). The lawsuit says Hammer served on the TVA board and later became chairman of the TAB.
The lawsuit alleges that Hammer used his position with the TAB to pursue a sexual relationship with the plaintiff, offering to help advance TVA and to introduce her to influential contacts. It says the plaintiff tried to set boundaries and repeatedly told Hammer she did not want a relationship, but that he would not take no for an answer.
The petition describes episodes in which Hammer allegedly begged, pleaded and harassed the plaintiff. It also alleges that on one occasion, he attempted to remove her pants and tried to “mount” her; the suit says she was able to get him off of her. The lawsuit further alleges that, after being rejected, Hammer chased the plaintiff barefoot through a hotel while she tried to get away. The suit says similar conduct occurred on at least two other occasions.
The complaint alleges that Hammer retaliated after being rebuffed and that he sought to sabotage the plaintiff and TVA, harming her emotionally and financially through his standing with the TAB.
Buzbee is seeking more than $10 million in damages, and the case is pending in Travis County. He has called on the TAB board to investigate the allegations and has asked witnesses and anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Hammer to contact his office.
The allegations in the lawsuit have not been proven in court. Hammer and the Texas Association of Business did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to Buzbee’s office.