Barnes & Noble Inc. store in Manhattan. Photo Credit: Eric Thayer/Bloomberg

Attorneys for Barnes & Noble said Tuesday it ousted its former CEO Demos Parneros because he sexually harassed a female employee, bullied and belittled subordinates and undermined a potential change in control.

The claims came in response to a lawsuit the former executive filed that claimed the company’s vague reasons for dismissal tarnished his reputation.

Related: Ousted Barnes & Noble CEO Accuses Company of ‘False’ Press Release

Barnes & Noble claims any of Parneros’ actions would justify termination, and its response details the reasons for its action months after it released a press release that simply noted, “violations of the company’s polices.”