Does the Bft franchise agreement define verbal harassment as an act of moral turpitude?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees that it will not (and to use its best efforts to cause its current and former owners, officers, directors, principals, agents, partners, employees, representatives, attorneys, spouses, affiliates, successors and assigns not to) (i) make any untrue or derogatory statements concerning Franchisor and its affiliates, as well as their present and former officers, employees, shareholders, directors, agents, attorneys, servants, representatives, successors and assigns; or (ii) undertake any act which would (a) subject the Marks to ridicule, scandal, reproach, scorn, or indignity, (b) negatively impact the goodwill of Franchisor or its affiliates, the Marks, other components of the System, or any other brands owned or controlled by Franchisor or its affiliates, or (c) constitute an act of moral turpitude (including, without limitation, verbal, physical, or sexual harassment towards any other person).
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement addresses non-disparagement and defines certain actions as acts of moral turpitude. Specifically, the agreement states that franchisees must not make untrue or derogatory statements about Bft or its affiliates.
The agreement explicitly includes that franchisees must not undertake any act that would subject the Marks to ridicule, scandal, reproach, scorn, or indignity, negatively impact the goodwill of Bft, or constitute an act of moral turpitude.
The definition of "moral turpitude" includes, without limitation, verbal, physical, or sexual harassment towards any other person. This means that Bft franchisees are contractually obligated to refrain from any form of harassment, as it is explicitly defined as an act of moral turpitude within the franchise agreement.