On March 11, 2020 US District Court Judge Marianne O. Battani dismissed all charges against retired Michigan State Representative and former Detroit City Council-member George Cushingberry Jr. In a 23 page ruling, Judge Battani ruled that Cleo Wiley did not have sufficient evidence of sexual harassment and, was not entitled to protection under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as an Independent Contractor. The court properly ruled that anyone working for a Detroit City Council member is an at will employee subject to immediate dismissal. When you accept a job as a legislative aide, you have a resignation letter already filled out.
A review of the record shows that Ms. Wiley took revenge against Mr. Cushingberry because he rejected her sexual advances after a brief affair in 2008. When the affair ended, she continued to work for him until 2017. The record is clear in showing that:
- Ms. Wiley maliciously tried to include other women and, men who did not support her claims of sexual harassment.
- Ms. Wiley was involved in other relationships while pursuing Mr. Cushingberry for sexual harassment allegations.
The record shows that the timing of the filing was done under the guise of the #MeToo movement for financial gain and, to prevent the re-election of George Cushingberry to the Detroit City Council in 2017 and, the Michigan State Senate in 2018.
Like #metoo victim Congressman John Conyers, George Cushingberry Jr. has since retired from politics and practicing law. He is enjoying life again with friends, family and, thankful that this case is finally over.
United States District Court
Eastern District of Michigan
Case #18-12025
Cleo T. Wiley v City of Detroit, Detroit City Council and George Cushingberry Jr.
Exhibit #1 - Deposition of Cleo T. Wiley
Order of Dismissal US District Court Judge Marianne O. Battani (PDF)
Fox News: Cleo Wiley Sues George Cushingberry Jr. for Sexual Harassment - Reported by M.L. Elrick
Metro Times: Cleo Wiley conducts a smear campaign on George Cushingberry Jr. over two used cars - Reporter Allie Gross
