A Brownsville man of Puerto Rican descent has filed a discrimination lawsuit against former co-workers who are also Hispanic but allegedly made fun of his nationality.
Former Aaron Rents' employee Juan Rivera originally filed his lawsuit in state district court in April but the case has now landed in McAllen's federal court.
Rivera alleges that the Old Port Isabel Road store's general manager and accounts manager both harassed and treated him poorly because of his national origin.
The lawsuit alleges that the two managers are also Hispanic but mocked Rivera when he spoke in Spanish and pronounced certain words.
One the managers and allegedly got in an argument with a Puerto Rican customer in the store and would allegedly say things like, "There's your cousin..." when another Puerto Rican person would be shopping there.
The two managers are accused of mocking an injury Rivera's hand while one of them is accused of making obscene gestures.
Rivera alleges he was fired for something he didn't do while another Hispanic co-worker was never disciplined in another serious matter.
The lawsuit shows that Rivera is seeking lost wages and damages.
Court records show that Aaron Rents is fighting the allegations.
Attorneys for the furniture rental chain and Rivera are expected to appear in federal court in McAllen in August.
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