Marriott director sues over explicit texts and a denied appeal

The complaint anticipates that Marriott may dispute that Cain was Stevenson’s supervisor. Stevenson alleges she directed his work, controlled his schedule, and influenced advancement opportunities. He cites a statement he attributes to Cain in which she said, “I never had the title of Rec Manager nor did I want it or seek it out… they had me take on the job responsibilities of two managers without the pay or title.” 

Stevenson says he reported the harassment to Juan Calderon, but the company did not investigate properly and required him to keep working with Cain. He says he was told to be a “team player” and “learn the ropes.” 

The filing also raises a labour-rights thread. Stevenson alleges he flagged concerns about a contract labour provider, Xclusive, including irregular documentation and debt-related conditions he believed could be coercive. He says he was told it was a “third-party” issue. According to the complaint, Cain at one point responded, “Xclusive and companies like it are basically human trafficking and Marriott is fully aware…” A worker later referenced in the complaint was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and deported, the filing says. 

Marriott terminated Stevenson on June 9, 2025, citing a policy-based reason tied to its associate discount program, the complaint says. He alleges the reason was pretextual. The complaint says he had no active discipline, the company’s progressive discipline policy generally requires a prior written warning followed by another violation before termination of a management associate, and Marriott posted Spa Director and Recreation Coordinator roles within seven days of his termination. 

Stevenson reserves his sharpest criticism for Marriott’s Guarantee of Fair Treatment process, which gives terminated employees seven days to request a Peer Review Panel. He says he asked HR repeatedly for the paperwork, did not receive it until approximately 4:30pm on a Friday, and was told the following business day that his window had closed.