Teddi Mellencamp sued for racial discrimination by former housekeeper for over $2 million amid brain tumor battle
Teddi Mellencamp Facing Lawsuit Amid Health Battle
Teddi Mellencamp is being sued by her former housekeeper, Julia Umana, for racial discrimination. This lawsuit comes while Mellencamp is battling brain tumors.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
Julia Umana, who worked as Teddi’s live-in nanny and housekeeper, claims that Teddi treated her worse than any other celebrity boss. She accuses the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star of withholding wages, fostering a hostile work environment, and engaging in racial discrimination and harassment.
Umana, an immigrant from El Salvador, alleges that Teddi overworked her and treated her unfairly compared to white employees. She also claims that Teddi falsely accused her of theft while never making similar accusations against a white, blonde employee.
Seeking Compensation
Umana is suing for over $2 million in damages. She further claims that Teddi mocked her for speaking Spanish and used a disrespectful tone that she never directed at white staff.
After resigning, Umana says she was pressured to work three 12-hour shifts for just $325. When she complained about the pay, she was fired. She is now seeking damages for wrongful termination and unpaid wages.
Teddi’s Health Struggles
The lawsuit comes at a difficult time for Teddi Mellencamp. Her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave, recently revealed that she endured intense pain following emergency surgery to remove multiple brain tumors.
Edwin shared an update on social media, stating that the procedure went well and that Teddi was finally resting. The couple is currently going through a divorce after 13 years of marriage. They share three children: Slate (12), Cruz (10), and Dove (4). Teddi is also stepmother to Edwin’s daughter Bella (15) from a previous relationship.
Family Support During Surgery
Despite their separation, Edwin was by Teddi’s side throughout her surgery. Before the procedure, Teddi shared an emotional update on Instagram, revealing that doctors had found multiple tumors on her brain.
She explained that two larger tumors would be surgically removed, while the smaller ones would be treated with radiation later. Teddi expressed gratitude for her family, friends, and medical team.
Emotional Moments in the Hospital
Edwin shared a touching video of their youngest daughter, Dove, asking if he would stay at the hospital with Teddi. He reassured her that he would watch over her mother.
Teddi’s close friends, including Kyle Richards and Morgan Wade, also visited her in the hospital. She posted a video of a friend shaving her head in preparation for treatment, captioning it with humor: “All I need now is an umbrella.”
Past Health Struggles
In 2022, Teddi was diagnosed with stage II melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer. She has undergone 16 procedures since her diagnosis and has kept fans updated on her health journey.
Divorce and Alleged Infidelity
Teddi and Edwin announced their divorce in November 2023. Soon after, rumors surfaced that Teddi had an affair with her horse trainer, Simon Schroeder.
She responded to the allegations with a cryptic Instagram post, stating: “When you’re being pushed into the shadows, always find your light.”
A source later revealed that Teddi and Edwin had been in couples therapy for years before deciding to separate. On a recent podcast, Teddi admitted that she had emotionally checked out of the marriage before Edwin had started making an effort to fix things.
Support from Friends
Following Teddi’s surgery, her close friend Tamra Judge asked fans to keep Teddi in their prayers. Tamra also announced that Teddi would take a break from their podcast Two T’s In a Pod to focus on her recovery.
Teddi continues to fight through her health struggles while navigating personal and legal battles. Despite everything, she remains hopeful and determined to recover.
