Photo Credit: Getty Images
Teddi Mellencamp, former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, is facing a lawsuit from her former housekeeper, Julia Umana, who has accused her of racial discrimination and workplace mistreatment. The lawsuit comes as Mellencamp battles serious health concerns, having recently undergone surgery to remove multiple brain tumors.
According to TMZ, Umana, an immigrant from El Salvador, claims she worked as Mellencamp's live-in nanny and housekeeper but was subjected to unfair treatment compared to white employees. In the lawsuit, Umana alleges that Mellencamp "made her employment a living hell by abusing power, shorting paychecks, creating a hostile work environment, and engaging in racial discrimination and harassment."
According to the court documents, Umana accuses Mellencamp of overworking her, mocking her for speaking Spanish, and using a "nasty tone" that she never directed at white staff. She also claims that despite the presence of security cameras in the house, Mellencamp falsely accused her of theft while never making similar accusations against a white, blonde employee.
Umana states that after deciding to resign, Mellencamp pressured her to work three 12-hour shifts for only $325. When she complained about the pay, she was fired. She is now seeking over $2 million in damages for wrongful termination and unpaid wages.
Amid these legal troubles, Mellencamp has been facing a serious health crisis. On Wednesday, she revealed on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with multiple brain tumors. Shortly before undergoing emergency surgery, her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave, and their children visited her at the hospital.
Arroyave, who is in the process of divorcing Mellencamp after 13 years of marriage, shared an update on social media, stating, "All I will say right now is surgery went well. That said, I've never seen @teddimellencamp in so much pain. She's finally getting some needed rest. I know she is so grateful for the outpouring of love."
A deeply religious man, Arroyave posted a Bible verse, Jeremiah 17:14, alongside a prayer for Mellencamp's recovery: "Lord, I lift up @teddimellencamp to You. You are the Great Healer, and I ask for Your healing touch upon her body."
Despite their ongoing divorce, Arroyave and their children remained by Mellencamp's side throughout the ordeal. A video shared on social media captured their youngest daughter, Dove, asking, "Are you gonna watch mama because she doesn't like staying alone?" to which Arroyave responded, "Yeah, we're watching mama."
Mellencamp's representatives have not yet commented on the lawsuit.
