In 2015, plaintiff Vilma Aguilar, 18, a store manager for a Blaze Pizza outlet in Torrance, quit her position. Before she quit, Vilma complained that she was repeatedly sexually harassed since 2013 by Alberto Driz, the co-owner of a company that eventually owned 11 Southern California Blaze Pizza locations, and his brother, Maurice Driz, the director of operations for the firm. She claimed that the harassment included continual hugging, kissing, unwanted massages and grabs on the buttocks. Vilma complained about the alleged abuse to both brothers and to other senior officials in the company, but she was allegedly told that she could either resign or transfer to another store, which would increase her commute. Instead, Vilma resigned. Vilma sued the Driz brothers and several operators of Blaze Pizza locations, including Blaze Pizza, LLC; LA Metro BP Holding Co., LLC; Del Amo BP, LLC; Rolling Hills BP, LLC; and multiple other entities. Blaze Pizza, LLC and several other entities were dismissed from the case prior to the matter going to the jury. Thus, the trial only continued against the Driz brothers, LA Metro BP Holding, Del Amo BP, and Rolling Hills BP. Vilma claimed that she was constructively discharged from her position due to the harassing work environment. Defense counsel argued that the Driz brothers’ conduct was merely a cultural expression, owing to the fact that, despite living in the U.S. for 45 years, they were born in Argentina and spent considerable time living in Europe. In addition, counsel argued that Vilma was an underperforming employee., Vilma, who began working for the defendants when she was 16 years old, quit her position in 2015, at the age of 18. She sought recovery of past and future lost wages, and non-economic damages for her alleged emotional distress. Vilma also sought recovery of punitive damages as a result of the Driz brothers’ conduct. Plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award Vilma $1.7 million in total damages.