Man accused of sexual assault claims innocence, awarded $15 million by jury

Federal ‍Jury Awards Former Associate Professor $15 Million in Gender-Biased Investigation Case

A former associate professor, John Abraham, has been awarded million by ⁢a federal jury ​after‍ they found him to be the victim of a gender-biased investigation conducted by his former university.

Abraham, who was a surgeon at the Rothman Orthopedic Institute and an⁢ associate professor at Thomas Jefferson ⁢University in Philadelphia, ​claimed⁣ that a second-year resident had gotten him drunk without⁢ his consent and forced herself ⁣on him ⁣during a pool party at his home in 2018. Despite reporting the incident, his claim was ignored while ⁣the resident’s claim​ that he sexually assaulted her led to a Title IX investigation against‌ him, ultimately ​resulting in his resignation.

Abraham alleged that he had reported the incident to several TJU officials who ⁢were⁢ obligated to report sexual misconduct under Title IX, but none of them⁤ took action on his allegations.

The resident, Jessica Phillips, stated that she⁢ woke up in Abraham’s bed the morning ‌after the⁣ party, naked, disoriented, and⁢ covered in ‌bruises. She filed a criminal complaint against Abraham, but the investigation was ​closed without charges being filed.

TJU conducted an investigation into Phillips’ claims, during which Abraham testified that the university officials ignored his side ⁤of the story. He also claimed that the hospital threatened ​to report⁤ him to a national database tracking doctor misconduct unless he took a leave of absence, which would have effectively ended his career.

Following his resignation, TJU closed its investigation into Abraham. However, about a year later, Abraham sued Phillips for defamation and libel, and she countersued for assault and battery. The case was settled without⁢ monetary damages, and Phillips is now practicing as an orthopedic surgeon on the West Coast.

Abraham also sued TJU, ⁣arguing that their actions‌ had destroyed his career and affected his ⁢ability to earn money. He was earning approximately $2 million annually and was a partner and shareholder at the Rothman Orthopedic Institute. The Institute ⁣conducted its own investigation into Phillips’ claims and restricted ⁣Abraham from working in Jefferson hospitals and interacting with Jefferson residents. He was ultimately fired for ‍allegedly failing to ⁣meet the required annual revenue target of $1.3 million. Abraham has also taken legal action against Rothman.

The jury awarded Abraham $15 million, concluding that TJU had⁢ treated him unfairly due to his ​gender.

Abraham’s attorneys emphasized the devastating impact this ordeal has had on his career and life, stating that his practice has been ‌dismantled, and he now resides in a one-bedroom apartment near a train station.

​How can universities ensure ‌a fair and impartial proceeding that ​considers the experiences and ​perspectives of all parties⁢ involved in cases of alleged sexual assault or harassment, regardless of gender?

Ent to multiple‍ administrators at Thomas Jefferson ⁤University, including the Dean of the Medical School, but his complaints were⁣ not taken seriously. He believes that ⁢this lack of‌ response was due ‌to gender bias,​ with his claims being dismissed because⁣ he is a man ⁢and the accused resident is a woman.

As a result of ‍the university’s handling of the situation, Abraham felt that his reputation and career were irreparably damaged. He filed a‌ lawsuit against Thomas Jefferson University,‍ seeking compensation‌ for ​the harm⁤ he had suffered as a⁢ result of the gender-biased investigation.

During the trial, Abraham presented evidence of the incident and the subsequent actions taken by ‌the university. The jury, after carefully ​considering the facts and arguments ⁣presented, unanimously sided with Abraham and awarded him⁤ $15 million in ​damages.

This verdict brings attention to the issue of ‍gender bias in‍ investigations⁤ of sexual assault ⁣or harassment cases. It highlights the need for fair and impartial proceedings that take into account the experiences and perspectives ‍of all parties involved, regardless ​of gender.

Abraham’s case serves as a ​reminder that gender bias⁣ can occur in any setting, including institutions of higher education. It is crucial to address and rectify these ⁢biases to ‍ensure a just and equitable ​environment for all individuals.

In response⁢ to ⁤the verdict, Thomas Jefferson University released a statement ‍expressing their disappointment with the ‍outcome.​ They emphasized their commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone within their ‌community.

This case also underscores the importance of universities and other institutions taking allegations of sexual assault or‌ harassment seriously, regardless of the gender of the parties involved. All⁣ claims should ‌be thoroughly investigated, and the ‍credibility of each party should be evaluated ⁤based on the evidence presented.

Moving forward, it is essential for universities to review and revise their policies‍ and ‍procedures surrounding such investigations‍ to ensure that they are fair, unbiased, and respectful of the rights and experiences of all‌ individuals involved.

The $15 million awarded to John ⁢Abraham sets a precedent for future cases involving gender-biased investigations and​ may encourage other survivors of gender discrimination to come forward⁣ and seek justice.​ It serves as a powerful reminder that gender equality should be upheld in all facets of society, and steps must⁢ be​ taken‍ to address and eliminate biases⁤ that may exist.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases