Some employees and tenants at The Max, one of New York City’s largest apartment buildings, say they have endured violence, threats, and sexual harassment—claims that have led to multiple lawsuits against the building’s owners, TF Cornerstone.
Located at 57th Street and 11th Avenue, The Max is marketed as offering “the best in luxury living in Midtown West.” However, former employees and tenants paint a different picture, alleging a toxic work environment, workplace assaults, and ongoing misconduct that management has failed to address.
Violence & Fistfights Among Employees
Former maintenance workers Kenrick Gayle and Dane Gomez allege they were attacked by four coworkers in 2022:
- Gomez claims he was punched and thrown to the ground.
- Gayle says he was punched, kicked, and suffered torn ligaments in his foot.
- A judge in Gayle’s workers’ compensation case noted that he “did not initiate the brawl” and that management was aware of tensions but failed to act.
Despite not starting the fight, both men were later fired.
Gayle and Gomez have filed a lawsuit against TF Cornerstone, alleging a culture of workplace violence.
“The culture was very bad. It was bound to happen,” Gayle said.
Gayle also shared videos that allegedly show:
- A coworker pepper-spraying another employee during a dispute.
- Employees playing a ring-toss game using sex toys in a break room.
“There’s still a lot of stuff going on in the building. I’ve got friends there that are still going through it. Nothing’s changed,” Gayle added.
Sexual Harassment Allegations
Multiple sexual harassment complaints have also been filed against TF Cornerstone, including:
- Two former employees who sued and later settled with the company over workplace harassment.
- A former maintenance worker accused of making inappropriate comments and staring at a female employee’s crotch.
- A tenant who reported a doorman for sexual harassment but says she was retaliated against instead.
The tenant’s complaint:
“He started looking at my crotch, deliberately staring. I just remember feeling so angry and violated.”
Instead of addressing the complaint, TF Cornerstone started eviction proceedings against her, accusing her of making a “litany of… unfounded complaints” against a staff member.
She is now living in the building without a lease while searching for a new home.
TF Cornerstone’s Response
TF Cornerstone declined to speak on camera but released a statement:
“We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer and a fair housing provider. Our organization maintains strict policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment. While we cannot comment on ongoing litigation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fairness, respect, and adherence to established policies.”
CBS News New York asked if any of the employees accused of misconduct are still working at The Max—but received no response.
The company receives a partial tax exemption for the building in exchange for offering affordable housing units, including the tenant’s apartment.
