The former CEO of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against his former employer, saying his departure stemmed from a nude “living art” body painting exhibit held at a hospital fundraising event. 

According to Richard Freeman's legal complaint, the hospital blamed him for failing to prevent the June 3 exhibit, which featured naked women with artwork painted on their bodies, from taking place at an offsite fundraising event. However, he claims that more than 40 individuals were engaged in the planning and approval process.

NJ.com covered the situation at length, noting that Freeman contends he had no involvement in planning the event. In fact, he has said he was barely aware of it. 

Freeman's lawsuit, filed in federal court in New Jersey, asserts he was dismissed shortly after the event and violated hospital sexual harassment policies. Freeman contests the claim and says his employment was terminated to avoid fulfilling compensation obligations. 

At the time of his termination, Freeman was receiving an annual salary of $650,000, along with performance-based incentives. Freeman claims in the suit that, should the hospital choose to terminate his employment without cause, they are liable for 180 days of his regular compensation in addition to 12 months of severance payments equivalent to his base salary, along with continued medical and dental benefits for the same duration. 

The hospital declined to comment. 

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