A former research scientist alleges in a lawsuit against Eli Lilly and Co. that he was harassed and discriminated against because he is gay.

Jeffrey A. Willy, who started at Lilly in 2007, says he "endured harassment, a hostile work environment, and discrimination." He left the company in September 2018. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Indianapolis.

A Lilly spokesman declined to comment on the lawsuit but said the Indianapolis company values diversity and respect.

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In one allegation in the lawsuit, Willy says a supervisor spoke derisively of homosexuals and used a homophobic slur.

Another allegation said that while waiting for an attendant to finish cleaning the men's restroom, a co-worker told him to use the women's restroom. "If all the weirdo transgenders are using whatever restroom they want to," the co-worker is quoted as saying, "the rest of us might as well."

The lawsuit says Willy reported problems with a specific supervisor but "received significant retaliation from Eli Lilly that led to being blocked from attendance and speaking opportunities at conferences, raises, promotions and other compensation."

A spokesman for Lilly issued a statement saying the company "can’t comment on the specifics of pending litigation."

"Diversity and inclusion are vital foundations of Lilly’s culture," the statement said. "Respect for people has long been one of our core Lilly values — understanding, respecting and valuing differences among our employees and the people we serve. We believe that an environment of equality and inclusion is critical to fulfill our purpose to make life better through our medicines."

Willy received a master's degree from Purdue University in biology and a doctorate from Indiana University in biochemistry and molecular biology.

He advanced from toxicologist to senior toxicologist to consultant toxicologist before becoming a research scientist in 2016.

Call Mark Alesia at (317) 444-6311. Follow him on Twitter: @markalesia.