Woman says she was pressured into baring her breasts to gorilla

ABC Houston ^

[esryle]

(02/26/05 - WOODSIDE, CA) — A third woman has filed a lawsuit claiming a caretaker for Koko, the world-famous sign-language-speaking gorilla, pressured her to expose her breasts as a way to bond with the animal.

Iris Rivera, 39, sued the Gorilla Foundation this week in San Mateo County Superior Court, saying the foundation's president, Francine Patterson, repeatedly told her to expose her breasts. Rivera, an administrative assistant at the foundation until she quit last month, claims Patterson told her last year that Koko was signing that "she wants to see your nipples."

Two other former employees of the foundation, Nancy Alperin and Kendra Keller, filed similar claims last week.

But while Alperin and Keller refused to expose themselves to Koko, Rivera acquiesced, the lawsuit states.

"She took it as a disagreeable duty of her employment," said Rivera's lawyer, Michael Adams.

An attorney for the foundation said the lawsuits had "no merit."

Rivera's lawsuit alleges sexual and disability discrimination, invasion of privacy and Labor Code violations and seeks unspecified damages.

The Gorilla Foundation was founded in 1976 to promote the preservation and study of gorillas. It's best known for Koko, a 300-pound simian who has mastered a vocabulary of more than 1,000 signs.

[esryle]

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[stevem]

Iris Rivera

Her nick-name must be Rocky because she's as dumb as a box of rocks.

[Perdogg]

Could you imagine if the woman was Helen Thomas???

Talk about one angry ape.

[Mad Mammoth]

Why do I get the idea that Koko doesn't have a damn clue about any of this nonsense?

Methinks some sort of radical lesbian pick-up strategy was what was going on.

[sandbar]

Why am I picturing Irene Cara in Fame whimpering while lowering her shirt.

Jeez lady, you say "F You, I will not let some monkey look at my boobies!"

[Finalapproach29er]

LOL

Rush loves stories like this. He's mentioned Koko before.

[reagan_fanatic]

Could you imagine if the woman was Helen Thomas???

No one could be that cruel...

[hinckley buzzard]

LOL! Yeah, there's something weird going on with that Francine!

[Hodar]

No evidence, no crime.

These people have neither evidence, nor supporting witnesses to back up their assertions. Furthermore, they are each seeking financial gain from their accusations, thus I am a little bit skeptical as to the truth of their allegations.

Besides, how much would one expect to win in the 'court-lottery' for flashing a female gorilla? How much can I sue for for flashing a terrior? My dog may be traumatized, but if I can make some money ....

[Nick Danger]

This is as weird as the guy who was boinking cows.

[Billthedrill]

So...uh...there are gorilla signs for "I want to see your nipples?"

The mind boggles...

[quantim]

Civil service at work.  Betcha' there is a union, barf grant, or left-winged pension at work here.

[Paul Atreides]

Let me guess: she has never heard of the word "no."

[Charles H. (The_r0nin)]

So...uh...there are gorilla signs for "I want to see your nipples?"

Note to self: Learn this seemingly irresistable sign language for "Show me your nipples."

[King Prout]

um. damn.

[Winston7000]

Francine must be a bit kinky. Has she tried cows in Wisconsin?

[King Prout]

did you have to remind us of that?

[mdittmar]

This just in!!;

In a later development,Koko was seen to sign,

"Ya seen two,ya seen em' all."

[Navy Patriot]

Maybe this will finish that foul ball talking gorilla foundation. It's just another insider get rich liberal begging ploy.

[Phsstpok]

No, this is not a put up. I've met Koko very briefly (and her father Bwana up at the SF zoo - he's a big SOB!) and she has a thing for nipples. I think it's the reaction she gets when she signs asking about them. She doesn't have a clue what's going on, but she likes it when she embarrasses people.

Robin Williams even has had a lengthy bit about it in his comedy routine.