LOCAL FESTIVAL OWNER SUED FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Former Planet Bluegrass employee alleges ‘persistent, outrageous, and violent sexual harassment’

BY KAYLEE HARTER

Aformer employee is suing Planet Bluegrass owner Craig Ferguson for sexual harassment, unwanted touching and wrongful termination.

The suit filed by a 34-year-old woman on Aug. 4 in Boulder County District Court alleges that Ferguson engaged in “persistent, outrageous, and violent sexual harassment,” which began in early 2023

The plaintiff also claims that Zach Tucker, HR manager for Planet Bluegrass, dismissed her concerns and did not take action after the harassment was reported. The woman was fired 11 days later, according to court filings. The plaintiff worked for Planet Bluegrass from May 2021 to April 2023.

Planet Bluegrass produces the state’s largest roots and bluegrass events including Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Rockygrass and Rocky Mountain Folks Fest. Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Planet Bluegrass Farm are also listed as defendants in the suit.

At least one former Planet Bluegrass employee has already contacted the plaintiff’s attorney, Paul Maxon, to share “important information,” he said in a phone call with Boulder Weekly. He encourages anyone else with information about sexual harassment at Planet Bluegrass to reach out.

“That sort of information from other people who may have experienced the same thing can be extremely helpful in these cases,” Maxon says.

Karen Craven, a spokesperson for Planet Bluegrass, said in a statement prepared for Boulder Weekly that many of the allegations are “flatly unsubstantiated” and do not “accurately reflect the true nature of various parties’ interactions or even the described events.”

“Our festival community is known across the country for its high standards and sense of integrity that values people most of all,” Craven said. “This complaint is unprecedented and in conflict with our history and our values.”

Craven did not respond to specific allegations within the lawsuit, which she said will be addressed in an answer to the complaint, and said she “simply can’t comment on things purported to be true.” She also said she could not comment on whether Planet Bluegrass is taking any internal action. “We look forward to addressing this matter in court where the facts will prevail,” she said.

The suit comes after Ferguson was arrested in June for violating a civil protection order granted to the woman by a Boulder County judge in May.

The plaintiff lived temporarily at Ferguson’s home as a caretaker but neither Ferguson nor members of his family lived in the home at the time, Craven confirmed. The plaintiff’s role as caretaker of the home was independent of her employment at Planet Bluegrass, Craven said.

The former employee is seeking “compensation for the extreme emotional distress.” Maxon says there is not yet a set amount of compensation the plaintiff is seeking.

Ferguson’s arraignment for violating the civil protection order is scheduled for Aug. 25.