July 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Bikram Yoga Founder to pay $6.47 million for Harassment to Former Employee:

 

A jury today awarded $6.47 million in punitive damages to a former attorney for the founder of Bikram Yoga, who alleged she was harassed and punished for speaking out against harassment of women in the workplace.

The Los Angeles Superior Court panel deliberated about two hours before reaching its verdict in favor of Minakshi Jafa-Bodden. On Monday, the same panel awarded her $924,554 in compensatory damages, finding that she was subjected to harassment, discrimination and retaliation by Bikram Choudhury.

In Monday’s verdict, the mostly female jury also found Choudhury acted with malice, which set up the second phase of trial to determine whether the plaintiff should be awarded punitive damages.

Jafa-Bodden smiled as she heard today’s verdict, while Choudhury appeared glum.

The jury foreman said all of the panel members discussed the issues fully in reaching their decisions, but he declined further comment.

Choudhury’s attorney, Robert Tafoya, said he had no comment.

In his final argument in the punitive damages phase, plaintiff’s lawyer Mark Quigley today urged the jury to send Choudhury a message with a large award.

"His conduct shocked me," Quigley said of Choudhury. "He thinks that he can do whatever he wants to do. It’s like a cancer, it’s ridiculous."

Choudhury, 69, testified today that his company has made little money the last three years and that he has been close to bankruptcy.

He said that although he has a garage containing about 30 to 40 luxury cars, he put many of them together with spare parts from other vehicles and has arranged to donate them to the state and to charity.

Quigley urged the jury to disbelieve Choudhury’s claims of financial problems and to send him a message that his behavior toward women will not be tolerated.

"This guy will do anything," Quigley said. "He is sick, shut him down, he’s out of control."

Lawyers for Choudhury and his yoga companies urged the panel not to award any punitive damages, saying their clients had been punished enough.

Jafa-Bodden sued Choudhury and his West Los Angeles-based Yoga College of India in June 2013.

Choudhury’s lawyers said Jafa-Bodden lost her job in 2013 because she did not tell her boss she wasn’t licensed to practice law in California.

They also maintained she worked for a law firm and that neither Choudhury nor the college employed her, even though she testified he gave her office space, supplies and yoga college business cards.

Choudhury teaches the "hot yoga" technique in which sessions are conducted in temperatures that often are above 100 degrees.

 

in News
<>Related Posts

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...