Who is Stephanie Starling? Hotel Manager Accuses CEO Asad Malik for Harassment at Justin Timberlake Concert

What began as a night of music at a Justin Timberlake concert in Detroit has now become the center of a workplace scandal.

Stephanie Starling, a 38-year-old hotel manager and mother of three, has filed a lawsuit against Amerilodge Group CEO Asad Malik, accusing him of sexual harassment and wrongful termination. Court papers obtained by the Detroit Free Press detail Starling’s allegations, including unwanted physical advances and an alleged attempt to silence her through a settlement offer.

The Alleged Incident at the Concert

Starling says Malik treated employees to VIP tickets at Timberlake’s show at Little Caesars Arena. During the evening, she alleges he first made advances while they stood in the concession area, telling her: “I bet it would be a good kiss too.”

Later that night, she claims Malik slid into a booth beside her and placed his hand on her thigh before squeezing her backside. Disturbed, Starling says she went to the restroom and tried to keep her distance.

After the concert, Malik allegedly offered her a ride and stopped near one of the company’s hotels. Court filings state he once again pressured her for a kiss. When she refused, he reportedly asked: “What do you mean you CAN’T?” Starling claims she told him she would walk through the snow if he didn’t drive her to safety. Her boyfriend eventually came to pick her up.

According to the lawsuit, Starling “cried the entire ride home” and was too distressed to return to work the following day.

Filing the Complaint

Two days later, Starling filed an official complaint with HR. An outside investigation was launched, but in the weeks that followed, she says she became the subject of gossip among colleagues.

On March 12, 2025, her work email was abruptly cut off. The following day, she received notice that Amerilodge had accepted her “resignation.” Starling insists she never resigned and was instead wrongfully terminated.

The Lawsuit and Alleged Cover-Up

Starling had been with Amerilodge for eight years, helping manage hotels under global brands like Hilton and Marriott. The company allegedly told her that her claims could not be substantiated because there were no witnesses.

Her lawsuit further states that Amerilodge offered her a settlement agreement in exchange for dropping her claims against Malik and the company. She refused to sign.

In a brief statement, Amerilodge declined to discuss the case, saying only: “We do not comment on pending litigation.”

Who is Stephanie Starling?

Stephanie Starling is more than just a former hotel manager. She built her career in hospitality, earning recognition in 2018 when she won the Sales Associate of the Year award.

Now 38, she is a working mother raising three children. Court papers describe her as a dedicated employee who took pride in her role before the alleged incident changed her career.

Her decision to file the lawsuit has drawn attention across Michigan’s hospitality industry, particularly because it involves a high-ranking executive at a company connected to two of the world’s biggest hotel brands.

The case remains ongoing.