Dov Charney, the founder and CEO of American Apparel, is facing another sexual harassment lawsuit, this one accusing him of the rape and quid pro quo sexual harassment of a 17-year-old employee. The girl says that Charney sexually harassed her at work, then coerced her into coming to his Manhattan apartment and forced her to perform fellatio on him.

Charney, who has successfully defended himself in numerous sexual harassment lawsuits in the past, claims that the girl and her attorney are engaging in "an illegal conspiracy to extort money from American Apparel."

American Apparel boss said to routinely appear at office wearing only underwear

According to a report in the UK online news magazine The First Post, Charney has a history of sexually inappropriate behavior that could easily be viewed as creating a hostile work environment. He is said to frequently appear at the company's New York offices wearing only his underwear, and once asserted that "there wouldn't be anything wrong" with wearing a "cock sock" to a business meeting.

The company's advertising has also been controversial for its sexual content. One American Apparel ad campaign was banned by a UK advertising watchdog agency because a partially nude model, who appeared to under 16, was shown "stripping off for an amateur-style photo shoot."

Charney apparently also appeared at the door wearing only his underwear on the day of the alleged rape -- the girl's 18th birthday. According to the lawsuit, when Charney answered the door for the girl, he "forced her to her knees so she could pleasure him." He then "dragged her to the bedroom, threw her on the bed, got on top of her and forced her to perform another act of fellatio, nearly suffocating her in the process."

The girl has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit seeking $250 million.

In a statement, American Apparel denied that any rape or quid pro quo sexual harassment took place, pointing out that, upon her resignation, the girl signed paperwork saying she had no legal claims against the company. She may counter that assertion if it appears intimidation played a role in her decision to sign.

American Apparel also said it plans to file a formal complaint against the young woman's lawyer with the New York State Bar Association, accusing him of conspiracy to commit extortion.

Source: The First Post, "American Apparel boss 'forced sex on employee'," Matthew Caines, March 9, 2011