San Diego Wave president files defamation lawsuit against ex-employee
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SD Wave president and former USWNT coach Jill Ellis. Photo: Pakawich Damrongkiattisak/FIFA via Getty Images
San Diego Wave FC president Jill Ellis filed a defamation lawsuit Monday against a former employee who alleged on social media that she fostered an abusive work environment.
Why it matters: The lawsuit claims the allegations were part of an "unexpected and malicious campaign" to defame Ellis and "destroy" her reputation and livelihood by "falsely accusing" Ellis of "abusive leadership," discrimination against women and "life-altering and devastating" mistreatment of club employees.
Catch up quick: The Wave's former video and creative manager, Brittany Alvarado, who resigned in June, posted a statement this month that went viral, alleging "abusive behaviors" within the club and calling for Ellis' resignation.
- The club and Ellis immediately denied the allegations, labeling them inaccurate and defamatory.
- At least five other former Wave employees supported Alvarado and made similar claims, the Union-Tribune reported.
- Ellis' lawsuit says Alvarado filed a complaint with the NWSL earlier this year and the league investigated reports of misconduct within the club, but found no violation of league policy.
Between the lines: The lawsuit claims Alvarado, to lend credibility to her claims, also posted a redacted screenshot of an "obviously fake email purporting to be from a team executive" that called her "pathetic."
- A league spokesperson explained the email and found a fraudulent Hotmail account used to send other harmful messages to the club, all of which are being investigated by law enforcement.
- The lawsuit alleges Alvarado is responsible for or involved with creating and disseminating those messages.
Zoom in: The lawsuit describes Alvarado as "disgruntled," outlines her work responsibilities, and criticizes her performance and conduct.
- It alleges she fraternized with players in an unprofessional manner, missed key moments of coverage as the team videographer and refused to return club equipment after she voluntarily resigned.
- In addition to defamation, the lawsuit alleges "intentional interference with contractual relations."
The big picture: The lawsuit claims Alvarado's statement was intentionally directed at Ellis — a reputable leader in women's professional soccer and one of the most successful U.S. Women's National Team coaches in history — knowing it would receive international media attention.
- Alvarado's allegations, per the lawsuit, "caused a long-time sponsor to cancel a previously scheduled speaking engagement with Ellis; another organization to cease negotiations for Ellis to present a keynote address at an event in September; and the postponement of an honorary degree from a prestigious university."
- Ellis is seeking punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial and a court order to stop publication of the accusations as the "damages are continuing to grow."
The other side: Alvarado referred Axios to her attorney, who was not available for comment Tuesday afternoon.
- The NWSL and San Diego Wave could not be reached for comment.