Former cabinet member sues Louisville mayor claiming defamation, discrimination, hostile workplace

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The public fallout between Louisville's mayor and one of his former top aides has turned into a lawsuit.

Keisha Dorsey is suing Mayor Craig Greenberg and other staff members for defamation, and more.

Dorsey was fired as deputy chief of staff in August last year. At the time, the city cited a pattern of misconduct and job performance issues, as well as a long history of unexcused absences, claims she has denied.

She had filed two ethics complaints through the city’s online ethics portal, citing a potential pattern of gender, age and racial discrimination, and a hostile work environment.

But, according to her attorney, those complaints have sat dormant in city government for nearly a year. Internal audits were never investigated, and the Ethics Commission never held a hearing.

Those complaints are now the heart of Dorsey's lawsuit.

The lawsuit asks that Dorsey be given her job back, paid for lost wages and damages for emotional distress.

In a statement Thursday evening, Greenberg's office said the allegations "have no merit."

"All of us who work for Louisville Metro Government must uphold the public's trust—that means being honest, showing up for work, conducting ourselves in an ethical manner and working hard every day for the people of this city," the statement read. "The allegations in this case have no merit and we look forward to defending ourselves in court."

Previous Coverage:

Louisville mayor accuses ousted cabinet member of ‘dishonesty,’ workplace misconduct

Louisville mayor's former deputy chief of staff plans whistleblower lawsuit after termination

Ex-Greenberg official seeks probe of 'potential patterns of discrimination' in Louisville government

Louisville mayor's deputy chief of staff ousted after reprimand, ethics complaint