Ex-cheerleaders suing Texans over compensation, work environment

A former Houston Texans cheerleader said Friday at a news conference the team treated her and her colleagues "as the lowest of the low."

Hannah Turnbow is among five former Texans cheerleaders suing the organization over compensation and what they allege was a hostile work environment, The Associated Press reports.

The cheerleaders claim in the suit they were not paid $7.25 per hour as promised, weren't compensated for appearances, and that their employment status was threatened for raising complaints.

"The Houston Texans were paid thousands of dollars to have us show up at appearances at locations all over Texas with no security, no transportation, and where our safety was not guaranteed," Turnbow said.

Turnbow also said she was told "to just suck it up" after being attacked by a fan during a home game last season.

Texans spokeswoman Amy Palcic responded to the accusations in a brief statement.

"We are proud of the cheerleader program and have had hundreds of women participate and enjoy their experience while making a positive impact in the local community," Palcic said.

The lawsuit, the second recently filed against the Texans by ex-cheerleaders, seeks unspecified damages.