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Weight Watchers Settles Pregnancy Discrimination Lawsuit

ROCHESTER HILLS (WWJ/AP) - A popular weight-loss business has agreed to pay a Detroit-area woman $45,000 to settle a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit.

Wendy Lamond-Broughton joined Weight Watchers and lost 30 pounds following the birth of her first child and sought a job at the weight-loss company.

But when Lamond-Broughton, 40, was called for an interview in September 2009, she was told that she couldn't be hired for the part-time position because she was pregnant again.

"It was a very blatant case of discrimination," Lamond-Broughton told the Detroit News. "I am still shocked and hurt by their treatment of me, and I don't think I will ever go back."

After Lamond-Broughton filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Weight Watchers claimed said she was disqualified for the job because she was above her goal weight, albeit by five pounds. A lawsuit was filed at that time.

The WW Group Inc. agreed to pay Lamond-Broughton, of Rochester Hills, to settle the lawsuit in U.S. District Court. Court records show WW Group denies discrimination allegations and made no admission of liability. In a statement issued Tuesday, the company said it has employed a workforce of primarily women for more than 40 years, including many who were pregnant.

Lamond-Broughton told the Detroit News she's grateful for outcome, saying "It's a positive step for the rights of women everywhere."

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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