Allegations of workplace discrimination and retaliation have been brought forward in a new federal lawsuit that claims an employee was subjected to repeated harassment and ultimately forced to resign after seeking medical accommodations. The complaint was filed by Xinyue Tao in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on March 13, 2026, naming International Direct Group, Inc. as the defendant.
According to the court filing, Tao began her employment with International Direct Group as an Associate Designer in July 2024. She asserts that from the outset of her employment she faced discriminatory treatment based on her race (Asian), national origin (Chinese), immigration status, disability (thyroid condition requiring surgery), gender (female), and familial or parental status (mother of an infant child). The complaint outlines claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL).
The document states that Tao’s supervisor, Design Director Francine Simmons, allegedly minimized Tao’s documented medical conditions and refused reasonable accommodations for her disabilities. After Tao provided documentation regarding emergency room visits and post-surgical recovery needs in October 2024 and February 2025, Simmons reportedly responded with “an egregious lack of empathy” and insisted that work take precedence over health concerns. For example, when Tao returned from surgery in October 2024, Simmons reiterated her obligation to prioritize work despite ongoing pain.
Tao also describes being subjected to disparaging remarks about her role as a mother. In one instance cited in the complaint from January 2025, Simmons allegedly criticized Tao’s need for childcare arrangements when asked to alter her agreed-upon schedule at short notice. Coworkers are said to have overheard Simmons expressing frustration about Tao’s parental responsibilities.
The filing further alleges that Simmons made numerous discriminatory comments related to ethnicity and immigration status toward both Tao and other employees. On January 13, 2025, Simmons is reported to have denied Tao’s request for Martin Luther King Jr. Day off by stating: “No, that is for Black people, and you are not Black.” Additional remarks described in the complaint include xenophobic statements about immigrants on public transportation and references to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Other incidents detailed involve alleged anti-Semitic comments during February 2025 as well as transphobic and sexist remarks directed at colleagues. The document recounts an episode where Simmons referred to a gay colleague as “just a woman who dressed in men’s clothes.”
Tao asserts that throughout this period she continued to meet or exceed performance expectations but experienced increasing anxiety due to what she describes as “profanity laden outbursts” from her supervisor which were “often tinged with discriminatory animus.” The complaint includes examples such as being forced to work late before scheduled surgery in April 2025 despite medical advice recommending time off.
Following repeated denials or minimization of accommodation requests—including those related to remote work during illness or family emergencies—Tao says she formally resigned on June 2, 2025. Shortly after submitting her resignation letter specifying June 12 as her last day, Chief Operating Officer Wesley Matthews requested she shorten her notice period by one week without explanation.
On June 5, 2025—the revised end date—Tao sent a formal written complaint describing what she called “a hostile work environment created by my direct supervisor,” citing specific instances including “Profanity in Communication,” “Racial Discrimination,” “Anti-Immigrant Hate Speech,” “Sexist and Transphobic Remarks,” and “Disregard for Health and Safety.” She wrote: “I lived in constant anxiety… When I tried to speak with Francine about her behavior—particularly the yelling and bullying—she dismissed my concerns.” According to the filing, no response was received from management regarding this complaint.
The lawsuit accuses International Direct Group of violating multiple statutes by discriminating against Tao based on protected characteristics under federal law (ADA; Title VII) as well as state (NYSHRL) and city law (NYCHRL). It also alleges unlawful retaliation after Tao opposed these practices or requested accommodations.
Tao seeks damages including lost wages and benefits resulting from alleged unlawful discrimination; compensatory damages for emotional distress; punitive damages; attorneys’ fees; costs; expenses; as well as any other legal or equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Attorneys representing Xinyue Tao are Brittany A. Stevens, Morgan L. Mickelsen, and Jessica C. Rosales of Phillips & Associates Attorneys at Law PLLC. The case is identified as Case No.: 1:26-cv-02075.
Source: 126cv02075_Xinyue_Tao_v_International_Direct_Group_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
