Former Lorna Jane employee “overly sensitive”, psychologist tells court

AMY Robinson wants $550,000 after claiming she was belittled while working for activewear brand Lorna Jane, but the court case has just turned ugly.

A SIZE 14 woman who claims she was belittled and fat-shamed while working for activewear brand Lorna Jane has had her psychiatric history dissected in court.

Lawyers representing the company grilled a psychologist who described the woman as “overly sensitive”.

The long-running stoush between former employee Amy Robinson and the fitness wear behemoth returned to Brisbane District Court on Monday, three months after it began.

Ms Robinson is seeking $550,000 over claims she suffered psychiatric injuries after being belittled over her appearance while working for Lorna Jane at the Brisbane airport DFO from July to December 2012.

Lorna Jane Clarkson, the founder of the active wear brand. Picture: Ric Frearson

She also claims she was forced to do unfair hours by her area supervisor.

The court heard on Monday that Ms Robinson had a borderline personality disorder that made it difficult for her to work with other people, and she likely exaggerated or lied about the extent of her suffering to a psychologist.

A report tendered in court from Dr Ursula Oertel described Ms Robinson as “extremely sensitive with interactions with others, quick to feel she is being treated inequitably, and tends to hold a grudge even if the perceived affront is unintentional”.

Under cross-examination by Lorna Jane’s lawyer, Dr Oertel agreed Ms Robinson had low self-esteem, a distrust of others, and a tendency to become “grievously affronted” by seemingly trivial matters such as being asked to complete a task she saw as meaningless.

“She might misinterpret a tone of voice, a look, or a gesture?” Lorna Jane barrister Rebecca Treston QC asked.

“Yes,” Dr Oertel said.

Amy Robinson claims the psychological injury she suffered while working for Lorna Jane left her unable to work.

“It would make holding down a job extremely difficult?” Ms Treston asked.

“Yes,” Dr Oertel replied.

The court heard Ms Robinson had a lengthy history of depression and anxiety, for which she had been taking high levels of medication.

She had sought medical help on a number of occasions from 2002 for a wide range of significant events including post-natal depression, domestic violence and financial issues.

Dr Oertel said the medical history made it “hard to tease out to what percentage or what degree” her experience at Lorna Jane affected Ms Robinson.

The former employee claimed her manager’s comments to her, and belittlement of her on social media, triggered a “mental disorder” when she worked for the company.

She claimed it has left her unable to work.

The hearing continues before Judge Gregory Koppenol.

Originally published as Former Lorna Jane employee “overly sensitive”, psychologist tells court