Goldman Sachs accused of 'systemic' sexual discrimination

NEW YORK — Goldman Sachs was on Wednesday accused of sexual discrimination against three former employees, who charged the global investment bank of using systematic practices against women.

The three former employees filed a lawsuit in the New York federal court which accused Goldman Sachs of "engaging in a pattern and practice of gender discrimination against its female associates."

According to the complaint, the "violations of (Goldman Sachs') female employees' rights are systemic, are based upon company-wide policies and practices, and are the result of unchecked gender bias that pervades Goldman Sachs' corporate culture."

The alleged discrimination incidents "have not been isolated or exceptional incidents, but rather the regular and predictable result of Goldman Sachs' company-wide policies and practices."

Goldman Sachs rejected the accusations.

"We believe this suit is without merit. People are critical to our business, and we make extraordinary efforts to recruit, develop and retain outstanding women professionals," a spokesman said in a statement.