Spotted Pig Owner Pays $240K In Sexual Harassment Settlement: AG

NEW YORK CITY — What a Spotted Pig. The owner of the iconic West Village restaurant will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for subjecting women workers to years of sexual harassment, Attorney General Letitia James announced Tuesday.

Eleven workers will split a $240,000 payout from Kenneth Friedman — who will step down as The Spotted Pig's chief — after the Attorney General office's investigation found he'd bullied them with unwanted touching and sexual advances, James said.

“In the era of #MeToo and #TimesUp, victims of workplace harassment and discrimination are standing up and speaking out," said James. "I thank the women of The Spotted Pig for their bravery."

The celebrity hangout on West 11 and Greenwich streets first came under fire in 2017 when the New York Times reported Friedman had bitten, fondled and shoved his tongue into the ear of women who relied on him for a paycheck.

Friedman also pressured his female staff to sext him, James said.

The Attorney General's office, then led by Barbara Underwood, launched an investigation in August 2018.

Friedman will share 20 percent of the restaurant's profits with the plaintiffs over the next ten shares, according to the Attorney General.

The Spotted Pig has also promised to provide sexual harassment training and keep workers informed of the rights that protect them.

Friedman released a statement, through a publicist, disputing some of the claims but also apologizing for the damage he caused, according to the New York Times.

“I hope this agreement will bring some comfort to those former employees impacted by my behavior,” the statement read. “I’m sorry for the harm I have caused, and for being part of an environment where women were afraid to speak up."