Former Truist employee sues bank over ‘Chucky’ doll prank during training

A former Truist employee is suing the Charlotte-based bank over an incident involving a “Chucky” doll.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A former Truist Bank employee filed a lawsuit against the Charlotte-based bank, alleging her manager deliberately traumatized her by placing a Chucky doll in her chair during training.

Debra Jones claims she suffered a panic attack and needed weeks of medical leave after the incident, alleging she was discriminated against because of her medical conditions. Jones says her manager knew about her mental health struggles before the incident.

According to the lawsuit, Jones worked as a relationship banker at Truist’s Rocky Mount branch starting in April 2024. Court documents show that Jones has several disabilities, including depression anxiety and an autoimmune condition called vitiligo.

The lawsuit centers around an incident in June 2024 during her Jones’ final week of training. Her manager, identified as Matthew Korr, allegedly placed the doll in her chair. Jones claims Korr knew about her fear of dolls and her disabilities because she shared that information with him during a team cookout. The incident triggered Jones’ medical conditions and forced her to seek immediate treatment. She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and placed on eight weeks of medical leave.

When Jones returned to work in August, she claims there were continuous problems with her new manager, including allegations of being treated differently than other employees over mistakes and being aggressive when Jones used her doctor-approved medical accommodations.

Jones is suing Truist for disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act, retaliation under federal civil rights law, poor supervision and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. She’s seeking compensation for lost wages and emotional distress. Jones is asking for the case to go before a jury.

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