Allegations of workplace discrimination and harassment have been brought forward in a new federal lawsuit, with claims that an employee was subjected to sex-based mistreatment and retaliatory actions following the end of a personal relationship with her supervisor. The complaint was filed by Asia Haywood on March 17, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against her former employer, The Kindness Campaign.
According to court documents, Haywood worked as an Impact Coordinator at The Kindness Campaign from February 2024 until approximately July 18, 2025. She alleges that her supervisor, Christopher Watts, engaged in controlling behavior after their consensual romantic relationship ended in August 2024. The complaint states that following the breakup, Watts began harassing and stalking Haywood, including appearing at her home uninvited and monitoring her movements. One incident described in the filing quotes Watts as saying, “No, you’re not. I just watched you get into your car at home,” after Haywood told him she was going to the gym.
The situation escalated on or about May 29, 2025. According to Haywood’s account in the lawsuit, Watts waited until others had left the office before confronting her. During this encounter, when Haywood expressed concern over his treatment of women and mentioned personal family issues, Watts allegedly responded with explicit language: “you know I don’t care about that, I only care about pussy, pussy, pussy.” As she attempted to leave with her dog from the office space, Watts reportedly threw cash at her while saying “Oh, you’re all about money,” then physically assaulted her by punching her and knocking her onto the floor. The complaint further states that Watts refused to return Haywood’s dog during this altercation; police were called but did not respond within thirty minutes. Her dog was later left for retrieval in a restroom.
Haywood continued reporting to work out of necessity but made efforts to avoid contact with Watts. In late June 2025, when it came time for contract renewal discussions for Haywood’s position, Watts allegedly delayed these conversations while instructing her to continue working. Subsequently in July 2025, he is said to have made threatening comments such as: “If you don’t want to be with me at night, then why would I want to see you in the morning at my job?” On or around July 13th that year he informed Haywood she would be placed on a corrective action plan—though according to the complaint this plan never materialized and served instead as another threat.
Haywood’s employment was terminated on or about July 18th. She asserts that both the timing and circumstances of her termination indicate it resulted from her sex (female), refusal to continue a personal relationship with Watts, opposition to his alleged harassment and abusive conduct—including reporting his actions to police—and participation in protected activity under civil rights laws.
The lawsuit cites violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as provisions of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). It alleges intentional discrimination based on sex (female), sex-based harassment deemed severe or pervasive both subjectively and objectively offensive by law standards; failure by management to investigate complaints; retaliation for opposing unlawful conduct; and adverse employment actions including termination.
Haywood seeks relief from the court including back pay with interest; front pay; compensation for loss of benefits; compensatory and punitive damages; reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs; pre-judgment interest if applicable; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. A jury trial has been requested for all issues presented.
Representing Asia Haywood are attorneys Chad W. Eisenback, Nathan C. Volheim, and Chasidy K. Clark of Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., based in Lombard, Illinois. The case is identified as Case No. 1:26-cv-02970.
Source: 126cv02970_Asia_Haywood_v_The_Kindness_Campaign_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf