Paramount Pictures and its parent company, Paramount Global, are facing two lawsuits filed by former employees who allege they were subjected to ongoing sexual harassment, abuse, and retaliation by a senior executive, while the company allegedly failed to act on multiple warning signs.

The civil complaints, filed separately in Los Angeles Superior Court, name Patrick Smith, former Senior Vice President of Worldwide Print Production, as the central figure accused of misconduct. Both suits claim that Paramount enabled a workplace environment in which Smith exercised unchecked power over young female subordinates and used his position to harass, manipulate, and intimidate them.

The first lawsuit, filed on July 9, alleges that the plaintiff was repeatedly harassed by Smith during her time at Paramount, including inappropriate text messages and verbal remarks. According to the complaint, Smith used promises of promotions and professional opportunities to pressure the plaintiff while making sexualized remarks about her appearance. After she returned from maternity leave, the plaintiff alleges her duties were reduced based on assumptions about her role as a mother. When she pushed back, her team’s work was devalued, forcing her to seek additional assignments to offset financial losses.

The second lawsuit, filed on July 14, outlines what the plaintiff describes as a years-long pattern of sexual abuse and coercion. According to the complaint, Smith repeatedly assaulted her between 2016 and 2022, including acts of non-consensual digital and anal penetration. The plaintiff alleges that Smith isolated her from coworkers, undermined her professionally, and used his authority to maintain control over her career. After she resigned from Paramount, the suit claims Smith continued to target her during a subsequent collaboration involving her new employer.

Both lawsuits accuse Paramount of failing to intervene despite internal reports and Smith’s alleged history of misconduct at another company. One plaintiff states that Smith told her human resources had offered to remove an employee who filed a complaint, but that he preferred to force her resignation through escalating pressure.

The complaints assert causes of action under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act for sexual harassment, sex discrimination, retaliation, negligent retention, and failure to prevent harassment. Additional claims include unfair business practices and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Paramount has not issued a public statement in response to the allegations. Attorneys for the plaintiffs say the lawsuits are intended to hold both Smith and the company accountable for the harm allegedly caused by prolonged workplace misconduct and institutional inaction.