More accusations of sexual harassment surface against Charlotte eye doctor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There are more accusations of sexual harassment and assault surrounding a prominent Charlotte eye doctor.

A third woman has come forward, filing a new lawsuit against the eye surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Christenbury.

Her attorney spoke exclusively with anchor Allison Latos about the cases she said highlight a national problem.

The lawsuit filed Friday is the third sexual harassment case against Christenbury this year.

Attorney Meg Maloney said it highlights a pattern of abuse and she hopes her lawsuits send a strong message to victims and people in power.

A third woman revealed a disturbing view of her experience working for Christenbury.

The lawsuit claims Christenbury sexually harassed Katrina Cohen, a former female executive assistant who was also a member of the Charlotte Hornets Honey Bees dance team.

The lawsuit alleges Christenbury's behavior at Honey Bees events was "creepy" and cites pictures of him filming a fashion show.

The suit claims Christenbury subjected Cohen to inappropriate, unwelcome behavior at work.

“When she declined his advances, later she was terminated,” Maloney said.

Maloney represents Cohen and two other plaintiffs and believes the lawsuits are part of a bigger, national problem.

“It’s about abuse of power and the position where you can manipulate their lives, and use your power against them,” Maloney said.

Maloney said recent incidents involving sexual harassment in the U.S and the Christenbury lawsuits should send a message to people in power and their employees.

“They need to take responsibility for the harm they actually caused, and for the victims they need to get to someone who can help them,” Maloney said.

Christenbury surrendered his medical license and he is facing other legal problems.

A former patient is suing him, claiming a cataract surgery he performed left her blind in one eye, and that it had to be removed.

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