San Francisco De Young Museum Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Ezra Iturribarria, a long-time security guard at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, has filed a lawsuit alleging severe sexual harassment and retaliation. The complaint names the city, the Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums, and supervisor Patrick Smithwick, detailing instances of verbal abuse, unwanted sexual advances, and physical intimidation. Iturribarria claims that after reporting the behavior, the museum conducted a 'sham investigation' and allowed the supervisor to continue contacting her, eventually forcing her to take a leave of absence.

This legal action highlights ongoing systemic issues within the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, following previous reports of a toxic workplace and over $1 million in settlements related to guard-led lawsuits. The case underscores the vulnerability of frontline museum staff and raises critical questions about institutional accountability and the effectiveness of HR protocols in major cultural organizations.