Ex-Lenovo salesman fired over wrongful wee in hotel lobby seeks financial relief

Richard Becker, 66, is suing the Chinese computer giant’s US subsidiary for US$1.5 million, alleging disability discrimination

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New York’s Times Square. Becker was returning to his hotel in the area after a work dinner when he found himself “overwhelmed” and forced to answer nature’s call. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 12:06pm, 24 Aug 2024Updated: 12:07pm, 24 Aug 2024

A Lenovo computer salesman has found himself in a swirl of trouble, fired from his job after he says a bladder condition forced him to relieve himself in a lobby of his Times Square hotel.

Richard Becker, 66, is seeking at least US$1.5 million from the American subsidiary of the Chinese computer giant after being dismissed for the wrongful wee, according to a lawsuit filed on Friday in New York State Supreme Court.

He accused the company of “discrimination on the basis of disability in violation of New York State and New York City human rights laws”.

According to the suit, Becker was returning to his hotel near New York’s Times Square after a work dinner in February when he found himself “overwhelmed” and forced to answer nature’s call in a vestibule located on a separate floor from the main lobby.

“A coworker noticed Becker urinating, and – out of apparent spite and malice – promptly reported him to HR, even though Becker’s conduct caused no harm to anyone whatsoever,” the lawsuit said.

A man walks past an advertising billboard for Chinese technology giant Lenovo. Photo: AFP

Becker said he has been dealing with a chronic bladder condition since 2016 and is under the treatment of a urologist. The court filing said Lenovo colleagues and managers were aware of his condition.