Colarossi

Kimberly Colarossi appeals from a summary judgment in favor of Coty US Inc. (Coty) on her claim for wrongful termination in violation of public policy. She contends the court improperly weighed the evidence in reaching its decision. She also contends the court erroneously’ excluded highly relevant evidence, which, along with the other evidence she presented, is sufficient to create a triable issue of fact as to why she was terminated. Although we find Colarossi’s first contention unmeritorious, we agree with her second one. Because the evidence would allow a reasonable trier of fact to find Colarossi was wrongfully terminated, we reverse the judgment.

Coty is a leading manufacturer and marketer of perfume. In 1987, Colarossi joined the company as a merchandising specialist. Her job was to visit retailers and make sure Coty’s products were being promoted and displayed properly. By all accounts, Colarossi was an exceptional employee. In fact, in 1997 she was named Coty’s top merchandiser in the entire nation. Deborah Bassett, the director of merchandising, personally selected Colarossi for this prestigious award.

A short time later, in May of 1997, Colarossi’s supervisor,…