Live Nation sued for discrimination and wrongful termination

On Behalf of | Aug 11, 2020 | Wrongful Termination

New Yorkers may be interested to learn that an executive of Live Nation has filed a wrongful termination and discrimination lawsuit against the company. The plaintiff is a black woman who alleges that she was terminated after complaining about pervasive discrimination at Live Nation based on race and gender.

The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on July 8. In the complaint, the woman alleges that Live Nation fostered a hostile work environment for employees who are black or female. She was named as the director of U.S. concerts and touring in 2019 but alleges that she was criticized more harshly than her male and non-black peers. The woman alleges that after she filed a formal complaint of discrimination, the company retaliated against her by terminating her from her position.

Live Nation argues that the woman was not terminated from her job and was simply furloughed because of a downturn in concerts and tours in 2020. It stated that she is still employed by the company. The woman argues that the furlough was simply a ploy to terminate her and that others were not similarly furloughed. She states that male and non-black employees have not been furloughed. In May, Live Nation announced that 20% of its workforce would be furloughed but has not made further announcements since that time.

Workplace discrimination and harassment based on a worker’s protected characteristics continues to be a problem in workplaces in New York and across the U.S. Discrimination based on a worker’s membership in a protected group is illegal under state and federal law. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against workers for filing discrimination complaints. People who have been the victims of workplace discrimination or wrongful termination may want to consult with experienced employment law attorneys to learn about their legal options.

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