Wife: Ex-Smithfield's Employee Upset at Firing

Raleigh, N.C. — A former assistant to Smithfield's Chicken 'n Bar-B-Q Chief Executive Gregory Moore was distraught when he was fired five years ago, the man's ex-wife testified Friday.

Jason Hallaman, who worked as a personal assistant to Moore for several weeks in 2002, claims he was sexually harassed by his boss. Hallaman testified Moore made sexual overtures toward him on several occasions, and he was fired after rebuffing the repeated advances.

Lisa Samples, Hallaman's former wife, testified Friday that her ex-husband sobbed when Moore fired him.

"He was very emotional. He was crying. He was sobbing. It was painful to see a man let down the way he did that night," Samples said.

After he was fired, Hallaman said Moore had him arrested and charged with trespassing and forgery. He said he had, at Moore's request, signed Moore's name to a check to pay for automobile detailing.

In a pre-trial deposition, Moore said he is bisexual, but he denied harassing Hallaman. Moore's attorney said Hallaman was let go after a dispute over a check and poor job performance.

Two other former Smithfield's employees, both men, also filed sexual harassment lawsuits against Moore. One was settled, and the second hasn't gone to trial yet.

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Latest Comments

Good Point Shine. And while people are at it - I guess they should re-consider going out to other area Resturants - the Grocery Stores - Department Stores etc..... come on people the issue at hand is everywhere. Think about it. Fact of life.

gopanthers
September 23, 2007 11:11 a.m.

I am taking up for Moore by any reason - even after his deposition admission of being bi-sexual - it will be interesting to read because it seems the plaintiff is not believable according to some older post I read. Obviously some people that have had some association in the past.

You want to Boycott - Smithfield Chicken and Bar B Que? While your at it take your kids out of UNC, Duke, NCSU, WFU, ECU etc. The teaching staff of the schools and employee roster are full of people who have chosen alternative sexuality - not to mention your cities public schools. Boycott sending yourself and your kids to the movie theater - hollywood is full of it.... and I hope you never watched (The View) and supported Rosie or Gomer Pyle or ....... or ......

My point is that it is all around. I rather buy a pint of Bar B QUE any day than some of the other things I have witnessed.

I am not saying I believe its right or wrong it just goes ALOT further than the Smithfield restaurant.

shine
September 23, 2007 4:58 a.m.

I can't help but read and say I am not surprized to hear the bigoted remarks about the Smithfield establishment itself. What the heck has one to do with the other. Clinton was caught playing naughties in the Oval office--Did you give up Democrats? Talk about throwing out the baby with the water. Why put all those folks out of work for something they had nothing to do with.

Ladyblue- the Phoenix
September 23, 2007 12:34 a.m.

It's so obvious some of these openions and the people who leave them have far greater problems with their own sexuality and who and what they are than mr. moore. i'm sure smithfields will survive with out them.

GOOD RIDDANCE TO SCUM
September 22, 2007 10:24 p.m.

I'd sue the pork out of this "guy" if he had of made advances towards me. I'll never support this company ever again with my business. I don't beleive that being gay is normal and that's that.