Disney Facing Discrimination, Harassment, and Wrongful Termination Claims
/
Douglas Keith Harris, a 57-year-old African American and former Disney employee, filed a California employment law lawsuit alleging discrimination, harassment, and workplace retaliation based on his age, disability, race, and veteran status. The discrimination and retaliation lawsuit was filed after Harris’ 32-year career with the company was abruptly terminated.
Former Disney Employee Files California Discrimination Lawsuit:
Harris’ lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. The lawsuit is filed against Disney in Los Angeles and alleges that veteran Harris’s exemplary 32-year career suddenly ended after he was falsely accused of brandishing a firearm at work to another co-worker. Harris claims there is no evidence that he had a gun at work.
History of Discrimination in the Workplace:
The complaint outlines an alleged history of discrimination in the workplace. According to Harris, his younger superiors regularly mocked him for his disability (being deaf in one ear) and frequently advised him to retire. Harris also claims that his superiors abused their power over him to change his schedule when he returned after a surgery – assigning him the graveyard shift. In January 2020, Harris’ discrimination and harassment complaints ended with the accusation that he brought a gun into the workplace.
Disney’s Response to the Accusation Against Harris:
Harris claims that instead of speaking to him after the accusation was made, Disney instead contacted the police. As a result, Harris’ car and belongings were searched. The officers did not find a gun or any other weapons. Disney ignored Harris’ pleas that he did not bring a gun to work and did not have a gun, and immediately suspended him. Harris claims Disney treated him like a criminal, and he suffered extreme emotional distress. One week later, Disney fired Harris.
Allegations Include Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation:
Harris’ lawsuit alleges Disney violated California labor in several ways: discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and defamation. Harris claims the employment law violations were based on race, veteran status, and disability.
If you need to discuss workplace discrimination or if you need to file a wrongful termination lawsuit, please get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced employment law attorneys are ready to assist you in any one of various law firm offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.
