LAS VEGAS -- A representative for the Forum Shops at Caesars Palce called claims of discrimination “without merit” and “distressing” after The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the civil rights lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court.

“The EEOC's suit is based upon allegations made nearly four years ago by several individuals formerly employed in the housekeeping department at the Forum Shops,” said Les Morris, representative for Simon Property Group.

The lawsuit said Hispanic workers at the Forum Shops were subjected to physical intimidation and racial slurs. It also claims Simon Property Group took no action when notified of the problem.

In his statement, Morris argued, “In 2006, after a prompt and thorough investigation of these same facts, the Nevada Equal Rights Commission issued a finding of no probable cause and dismissed the action.”

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace was recently named by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s “Most Profitable Malls.”