Woman fired for being 'too cute' because boss' wife 'might become jealous'

A woman who claims she was fired for being "too cute" is taking legal action over her former employer, claiming gender discrimination.

Dilek Edwards, 33, was employed as a massage therapist by Wall Street chiropractor Charles Nicolai and his wife, former Playboy Playmate Stephanie Adams, 46.

Edwards claims she was fired from her job after her boss told her his wife "might become jealous" of her because she was "too cute".

Edwards initially took action in 2013. Image: Facebook @dilekedwards

The therapist's initial lawsuit was dismissed, with Manhattan court ruling that cuteness can't be used as a basis for a discrimination claim.

However this decision has now been overturned on appeal in an Iowa court, after a previous appeal to the New York appeals panel in 2013 failed.

The appeal judges acknowledged the woman was "fired for no reason other than Adams' belief that Nicolai was sexually attracted to her.

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"This states a cause of action for gender discrimination under New York State Human Rights Law," lead Judge David Friedman stated.

This is the first case of its kind.

Edwards' lawyer Mamion Kischebaum told the New York Post that firing a woman because of how she looks is discrimination.

Edwards claims boss fired her over concerns wife Stephanie Adams (pictured) might get jealous. Image: Getty

"We had looked extensively to find a case for what should be obvious - that firing a woman because you might be attracted to her is discrimination.

"But as it turns out, there is no such case until now."

The chiropractor, his wife and their lawyer are yet to comment on the claim.