California-Based Specialty Coffee Roaster Faces Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment from Owner – CoffeeTalk

An employee of Berkeley’s Hydrangea Coffee Roasters, Ashlynne Wike, has filed a lawsuit against the company and its owner, Bill Li, stating that she was sexually harassed and subjected to a hostile work environment. The complaint, lodged in Alameda County Superior Court on August 25, details incidents that began after Li recruited Wike through Instagram at a coffee exposition in April 2025. Wike relocated from Raleigh, North Carolina, to California for the position of coffee roaster and procurement lead.

Upon starting her job, Wike was directed to temporarily stay at Li’s apartment due to her lack of housing, during which the lawsuit alleges Li engaged in a series of harassing behaviors. This included inappropriate touching, unsolicited physical contact, and non-consensual photography. Li reportedly attempted to invade Wike’s personal space on multiple occasions, despite her attempts to assert boundaries.

The harassment reportedly peaked during the company’s holiday party in December 2025 when Li allegedly confiscated Wike’s phone and car keys to prevent her from leaving, showcased inappropriate photos of her to others, and physically pushed her away when she sought her belongings. Although the overt harassment ceased post-party, Wike claims Li continues to make her uncomfortable by staring at her at work.

Wike alleges that Hydrangea Coffee Roasters failed to provide the mandatory sexual harassment prevention training required for employers in California. She communicated these issues to her boyfriend, past and present employees, emphasizing the continuous nature of the harassment.

Her attorney, Liane Katzenstein Ly, indicated the intention to pursue the case in court, asserting that Wike is seeking compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, attorney’s fees, and punitive damages aimed at deterring future misconduct. The defendant’s attorney, Andrew K. Jacobson, acknowledged the lawsuit, expressing confidence in the judicial process to resolve the claims while reaffirming the company’s commitment to ethical practices. Hydrangea Coffee Roasters is known for its specialty coffee beans, distributed widely across California and other states, and Wike, a notable brewer, was recognized for her achievements in the 2026 U.S. Brewers Cup.

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