America 1982-Chapter 269 - 7: Boss, You Are a Friend of Black People
Rick Russo devoted himself entirely to the production and preparation of BT Television’s programs. Although he initially found Tommy’s program ideas somewhat shocking, he quickly settled his nerves. After all, it wasn’t anything particularly surprising; such shows would only be astonishing if they appeared in other countries. When they happened in the United States, it was just taken for granted.
After all, this country even had adult reality shows where a male guest could sleep with three female guests in one night, and large-scale children’s educational programs about firearms sponsored by the National Rifle Association and weapons manufacturers, among others. Each of these ideas sounded more shameless than Tommy’s.
What Rick hadn’t expected was that, as he worked hard to accept Tommy’s ideas and pondered how to perfectly bring them to life, Tommy showed up with a stern face.
"What have you been up to recently, Rick?" Tommy asked with a grim expression as he walked into BT Television’s rented daytime studio and looked at Rick Russo, who was currently inspecting the workers.
Rick spread his hands, somewhat puzzled, and looked at Tommy: "What have I done? Just program planning and arrangement, interviewing program staff, that sort of thing. What else could it be?"
"The three black women you interviewed recently all came forward, saying you groped them and verbally harassed them. They want compensation, or they will take us to court." Tommy’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Rick, ready to throw him to the court for self-destruction if he didn’t provide a satisfactory answer. The newly established BT Television couldn’t withstand the scandal of harassing black women. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮
When everyone else in the studio heard Tommy’s words, they also stopped working and unconsciously looked toward the focal point of the incident, Rick Russo.
Rick’s expression went from bewildered to realization, and then to resignation; he smiled disdainfully: "How could that be, Tommy? You know I’ve worked at ’Vivid and Lively’ for many years. I’ve seen all sorts of women. Even if I were desperate, I wouldn’t make such a mistake at work."
"That’s what I thought too, or you wouldn’t be seeing me here, but the Studio’s termination notice." Tommy tapped his forehead lightly and said, "Now, make an effort to remember. What did you do to those women?"
"I had them come in to audition for the weather girl. That’s it. I didn’t even know them before that, only met them during the interview." Rick spoke.
Weather girl, the host of the weather program, is generally beautiful as most television stations strive to pick a sufficiently pretty individual to host their weather shows. Although most can’t compete with major networks in terms of exciting original content, they can at least garner some audience favor on the visual appeal of their weather program.
"During the individual interview, I’d chat with them and then ask them to stand up and turn around on the spot. I’d ask for a friendly and engaging smile. If they didn’t do well, I would gently point out with my finger on their facial muscles to remind them how broad their smile should be." Worried he wasn’t clear enough, Rick even pointed gently at his own face as he told Tommy:
"It was just a light tap like this."
"Give me the material they submitted," Tommy said expressionlessly.
Rick turned and rummaged through a cabinet nearby, handing Tommy a stack of folders: "The top three."
"Wow, all black beauties. Look at those chests and hips, truly tempting. Are these the photos submitted for the audition? This is practically like a brochure for an entertainment company attracting clients," Tommy remarked as he glanced at the photos of the three black beauties.
"I never said anything like that during the interview. If I may be so blunt, boss, your comment just now sounds more like verbal harassment," Rick said as he listened to Tommy’s appraisal of the photos.
Tommy glanced at Rick: "Have you encountered such trouble before?"
"Actresses from ’Vivid and Lively’ adult films? Do you think they’d give me trouble for touching their face?" Rick shrugged.
"So, it’s just these black women thinking they’ve come across a newly established television studio and a white interviewer, trying to extort a sum," Tommy remarked. He didn’t even finish reading the women’s written material before telling Rick, "Of course, I trust you. Continue with your work. I’ll handle these issues for you. Don’t let these minor problems affect your work enthusiasm."
"How much compensation do they want before they’re willing to sign a settlement and agree to permanent confidentiality?" Rick asked Tommy.
"Twenty thousand, thirty thousand, and one wants fifty thousand." Tommy lit a cigarette and spoke distractedly, "Put together, that’s a hundred thousand dollars. A touch on the cheek costing a hundred grand. Not a bad deal. If we don’t agree, they’ll certainly try to find a lawyer and make a fuss. That could be a devastating blow to our newly opened television station’s reputation. Moreover, the amount isn’t substantial, right? Everyone thinks we’ll just pay up."
"Sorry, Tommy. I assure you I’ll be more careful with my wording and actions during interviews in the future." Hearing Tommy’s words and thinking he was prepared to pay for their silence, Rick lowered his head in guilt and said, "It’s my fault."
