Three female bartenders who alleged they were groped have settled their lawsuits against the St. Paul Winter Carnival and its 2005 Vulcan King, their attorneys confirmed.
Bartenders Jamie Kissel and Kate Richardson claimed in a lawsuit filed in October 2006 that then-Vulcan King Tom Trudeau groped their breasts and genitals at Alary’s Bar during the Vulcan Krewe’s “garter ritual.”
In 2005, Trudeau pleaded guilty to fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct and was sentenced to probation and community service.
While the women’s lawsuit sought more than $50,000 in damages, their attorney, Lori Peterson, would not say how much money they received because the agreement was confidential.
The lawsuit brought by a third bartender, Cassandra Lee, was resolved last summer. That also involved a confidentiality agreement, said attorney Bob Espeset.
The Winter Carnival made several changes after the incident, including a ban on the Vulcan Krewe from performing the garter ritual and not allowing carnival royalty to drink alcohol except at the end of the day’s schedule. Also, carnival staff must approve scheduled appearances by the royalty.
The St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, producer of the Winter Carnival, issued a statement Thursday saying the foundation was abiding by the settlements.
– Associated Press
Copyright 2007 Pioneer Press
