Bikram yoga founder has given an order to pay over $900,000 to his former lawyer. The lawyer says she was fired over her investigations on allegations of sexual harassment against the guru. A Los Angeles jury set the payment for the yoga founder in the lawsuit filed by his previous legal adviser.
According to Hollywood Reporter, Bikram Choudhury has been ordered to pay $924,500 for compensatory damages to the said attorney. Minakshi Jafa-Bodden, his former legal adviser said, the yoga founder sexually harassed and "wrongfully fired" her after she started to investigate the allegations of sexual abuse accused to him by other women. The Los Angles jury also granted punitive damages against Bikram on Tuesday after the compensation damage.
Carla Minnard, Jafa-Bodden's lawyer said, Choudhury "inappropriately touched her" as well as attempted to get her stay with him in a suite hotel. ABC News reported, Jafa-Bodden was fired by the yoga found in June 2013 while doing the said investigations. Robert Tafoya, Choudhury's lawyer refused to give comment.
Six other women also have sued Choudhury, saying he sexually assaulted them. However, his lawyers deny the accusations. The 69 year old Bikram yoga founder was recently accused of rape by a Canadian woman, Jill Lawler when she was 18 years old. Lawler filed a lawsuit against Choudhury in February 13, according to Daily Mail.
In April, Bikram took an interview with CNN. He said, "Women likes me. Women loves me. So if I really wanted to involve the women, I don't have to assault the women." Rajashree Choudhury, his wife also filed for legal separation in December due to "irreconcilable differences."
Bikram Choudhury built a worldwide empire, the Bikram yoga, which is performed in rooms that can reach more than 100 degrees. His yoga technique is taught on over 650 studios around the world. Bikram yoga became popular and had drawn numerous devoted followers.
