Hot Bench Season 1 Episode 3 Beauty School Hazing?

In the third episode of Hot Bench's first season, entitled "Beauty School Hazing?", Judge Tanya Acker presides over a case involving a hair stylist who claims she was forced to endure a humiliating hazing incident while attending beauty school. The stylist, named Tisha, asserts that her fellow students made her strip down to her underwear, tie her hair back, and place a hot curler in her mouth, all while they taunted and insulted her. She is seeking compensation for the emotional distress she suffered as a result of the incident, as well as punitive damages.

The defendants in the case are Tisha's former classmates, who deny any wrongdoing and claim that the incident was a harmless prank. They argue that hazing is a common and accepted practice in the beauty industry, and that Tisha is simply being overly sensitive. As evidence, they provide testimony from several other students who were present during the incident and confirm that Tisha willingly participated and laughed along with the rest of the group.

Judge Acker is skeptical of the defendants' assertions but is also hesitant to rule in favor of Tisha without concrete proof. She questions Tisha extensively about the incident, trying to determine whether she truly felt threatened and intimidated by her classmates or if she was simply embarrassed by what happened. She also asks the defendants to provide more detailed accounts of the incident and their motivations for participating.

The case takes a surprising turn when Tisha's former instructor at the beauty school takes the stand. The instructor admits that hazing is a common practice in the beauty industry but argues that it is not acceptable and should not be tolerated. She also confirms that Tisha came to her after the incident and reported being upset and traumatized by what happened.

As the testimony continues, Judge Acker becomes increasingly convinced that the defendants' behavior was malicious and not just a harmless prank. She points out that even if Tisha did willingly participate in the incident, that does not excuse her classmates from behaving in a cruel and demeaning manner. Ultimately, Judge Acker rules in favor of Tisha, awarding her $10,000 in compensatory damages and an additional $5,000 in punitive damages to make an example of the defendants.

The episode ends with Judge Acker acknowledging that hazing is a widespread problem in the beauty industry and calling on schools and professionals to take a stronger stance against it. She emphasizes that people should not have to endure bullying and humiliation in order to enter a particular field and that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.