Ex-Staffer Sues NBC, Alleges Harassment Over Heritage

A former NBC studio technician in New York City says colleagues taunted him about his Native American heritage by displaying a doll in traditional Native American dress and making insulting comparisons.

Faruq “Peter” Wells sued NBC Universal last Friday. The company said it investigated and disciplined employees who behaved inappropriately.

The suit says a co-worker pointed out the doll on another colleague’s desk in July 2009. It says colleagues showed Wells photos of the doll hanging by a noose-like string and labeled “Baby Wells.”

It says NBC later told him it had investigated, and the matter was closed. He says he felt compelled to quit.

NBC said the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reviewed the matter and took no action.