Philly Radio: Beasley, iHM Defendants In DeBella Harassment Lawsuit

More details have emerged about sexual harassment allegations made against longtime Philly radio host John DeBella.

A lawsuit filed by a former WMGK 102.9 FM co-worker has been filed acussing DeBella of repeated sexually harassment and groping.

Jennifer Neill, who worked as a "sidekick" on "The John DeBella Show," filed a federal lawsuit Friday against DeBella, the Beasley Broadcast Group and others.

Known as “Jen Posner” on the show, Neill alleges that DeBella repeatedly subjected her to unwanted touching and vulgar sexual remarks, including multiple requests for oral sex.

She contends the harassment extended throughout her time on "The John DeBella Show," which she first joined as a traffic reporter in 2002. Known as Jen Posner on the show, she later worked as his sidekick from 2010 to 2016.

John DeBella

The lawsuit includes about 30 alleged incidents of unwanted sexual advancements.

DeBella allegedly grabbed Neill's breasts on multiple occasions.  He  also allegedly rubbed his genital area against her multiple times and once placed her hand on his genital area, according to the lawsuit.

On one occasion, Neill claims DeBella once told her that he'd "been waiting 14 years for a blow job." He also allegedly concluded a Christmas card by writing "Now dry your eye and blow me!"

According to phillyvoice.com, the 66-year-old DeBella could not immediately be reached for comment.   He celebrated his 35th anniversary as a Philadelphia radio personality in November. WMGK was the third-most popular radio station in Philadelphia in December, according to Nielsen ratings.

The Beasley Broadcast Group, which owns WMGK, did not return a message seeking comment.

Lawsuit: Jennifer Neill v. Beasley Broadcast Group and John DeBella on Scribd

Neill claims that station management was aware that DeBella sexually harassed her, but did nothing to stop it.

Neill filed complaints with both the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Sept. 19, 2016.

Management launched a six-week-long investigation into the situation, according to the lawsuit. As part of that investigation, DeBella allegedly dismissed his conduct as "jokes" and "mutual."

Neill was never informed of any discipline taken against DeBella, according to the lawsuit. She allegedly was ordered to return to work with DeBella or resign. Neill gave notice that she was leaving WMGK on Jan. 6, 2017.

Neill eventually was reassigned as a traffic reporter, which she described as a "substantial demotion," according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also lists iHeartMedia Inc. and TTWN Media Networks as defendants.  Neill seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, as well as legal costs.