Maids at New York's Pierre hotel are taking self-defense classes to help them fend off "persistent perverts." It's a little sad that this seems like such a good idea. » 6/29/11 9:50am 6/29/11 9:50am

Egyptian businessman Mahmoud Abdel Salam Omar "pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor sexual abuse charge in the encounter last month at the Pierre hotel. He already has completed five days of community service in a soup kitchen. His case will be closed without jail time or probation if he stays out of trouble for a year." » 6/25/11 3:15pm 6/25/11 3:15pm

Now that allegations of a second high-profile sexual assault on a hotel maid have emerged, New York's Pierre and Sofitel hotels have agreed to give staff panic buttons so they can call for help if they're attacked by guests. The hotel workers' union is working to make these buttons mandatory in all hotels in the city. » 6/01/11 6:20pm 6/01/11 6:20pm