Jill Ellis, President of San Diego Wave FC and former coach of the U.S. women’s national team, has filed a defamation lawsuit against a former employee, Brittany Alvarado. Alvarado accused Ellis of creating a toxic work environment at the Wave organization.
The lawsuit, filed in San Diego County Court, claims that Alvarado made false and defamatory statements about Ellis on her social media accounts. These statements were allegedly supported by a fake email. The Wave organization publicly denied the accusations, stating that the allegations were false.
Alvarado’s Social Media Accusations on Jill Ellis
In a development, Alvarado’s social media posts on July 3 accused Jill Ellis of fostering an environment allowing abusive behaviors among her subordinates to flourish. She also shared a redacted email and alleged that a senior leadership member at Wave FC sent it to her.
The lawsuit alleges that fake emails were sent from a “fake and unofficial Hotmail account” purporting to be Wave FC’s vice president. One of the emails was addressed to NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman, stating that the VP was resigning because she could no longer tolerate Ellis. However, the Wave confirmed that the VP remains employed.
Text Message Allegations and Response from Jill Ellis’ Attorneys
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that a burner phone was used to send a text message to a Wave player. Thereby making false and defamatory statements about Jill Ellis and the Wave organization.
However, Alvarado’s attorneys claimed she was exercising her First Amendment rights to bring about positive change within the Wave organization. Also stating that she was shining a light on gender discrimination and emotional abuse within the organization. In her words, Casey Hilton, the Attorney to Alvarado, while speaking to ESPN
“Our client, a courageous former employee, has stepped forward to exercise her First Amendment rights, shining a light on the pervasive gender discrimination and emotional abuse within the organization,”
“Her voice, echoing the experiences of many, calls for immediate and substantial change to protect both staff and athletes from further harm. This is not just a plea for justice; it’s a demand for a safe, respectful and equitable environment for all.”
Meanwhile, Alvarado’s social media posts reached millions while drawing global headlines. Also, three other former Wave FC employees have come forward with similar poor experiences with the organization.
Alvarado filed a complaint with the NWSL in February 2024. However, a third-party investigation concluded there was no violation of league policy in connection with the reported conduct.
The Impact on Jill Ellis
In a report, the lawsuit stated that Jill Ellis suffered damages due to the allegations. This included the cancellation of scheduled speaking engagements, failed negotiations to be a keynote speaker, and the postponement of an honorary degree from a prestigious university.
However, Jill Ellis joined the Wave as its inaugural president in 2022. She is the only coach to win back-to-back Women’s World Cups with the USWNT in 2015 and 2019.
Alex Morgan, a top scorer for the USWNT who played for Ellis during the World Cup titles and currently plays for San Diego, expressed disappointment upon hearing about the allegations. She acknowledged the need for work to be done within the organization.
In a statement, Ellis emphasized that mental health is a priority at the club for everyone. In her words,
“I will continue to protect former and current employee confidentiality. When allegations of mistreatment have been made, we have taken them seriously and investigated them thoroughly. In addition, when appropriate, independent third parties have assisted us in evaluating our workplace. At no time have those evaluations uncovered any wrongdoing by the club.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the defamation lawsuit filed by Jill Ellis against her former employee, Brittany Alvarado, sheds light on the complex and contentious situation at San Diego Wave FC. Jill Ellis has denied the allegations of fostering a toxic work environment.
Meanwhile, Alvarado and other former employees have raised serious concerns about the organization’s culture. However, this highlights the importance of addressing workplace issues while ensuring a safe, respectful, and equitable environment for all.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and meaningful reforms within sports organizations. And to prioritize the well-being of everyone involved.
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