MARIN, CA– After the employment contract to be the personal assistant to George Lucas was signed, but before Plaintiff Julie Gilman-Veronese's first day of work, she informed her immediate supervisor and Executive Assistant to George Lucas, Sarita Patel, that she had become pregnant.  Upon hearing this, the Patel peremptorily told Julie not to report to work until August 11, 2008. On August 8th, 2008, Julie was summarily terminated because of her pregnancy.

Until June 27, the Plaintiff was REPEATEDLY told she was the "perfect candidate" for the job by the hiring agents. Indeed, they offered her a contract that she signed. On June 27, everything changed.  As soon as Patel learned Julie was pregnant, her first day of work was canceled - in the very same conversation. The Plaintiff believes Patel acted under the supervision and direction of George Lucas, in whose home and for whose benefit Julie was to work. Had Julie been given the job of her dreams, though pregnant, Julie would have absolutely been able to perform all of the job duties, to the satisfaction of Mr. Lucas. But Julie was never even given the chance because Patel, George Lucas and Lucasfilms simply did not want to deal with a pregnant woman, in violation of the law.

According to Plaintiff's attorney, Angela Alioto, "the action by LucasFilms is clear, if you're a pregnant woman, we don't want you."

Related Press:

Marin Independent Journal

San Francisco Chronicle