The long-awaited court case concerning CBS Studios’ employment practices has concluded in a settlement rather than a sensational trial as some anticipated. Following over a year of legal negotiations, CBS and freelance writer Brian Beneker have reached an agreement regarding a lawsuit that contested the network’s diversity, fairness, and inclusivity (DFI) policies.
In February 2024, Beneker brought forth a lawsuit alleging that he was denied a full-time position on the show “SEAL Team” solely due to his race (white) and gender (male). Instead, CBS prioritized filling demographic quotas over hiring the most talented individuals. In the lawsuit, Beneker stated that he was not given a permanent role based on his race, sex, and sexual orientation. He also claimed that the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies was illegal. This argument has resonated with critics who believe that qualifications are being overshadowed by identity politics in Hollywood.
she said it’s a final decision and they can’t file it again).
On April 18, 2025, parties Brian Beneker (Plaintiff), CBS Studios Inc., and Paramount Global (Defendants) collectively filed a mutual agreement for dismissal without the possibility of re-filing (Joint Stipulation For Dismissal with Prejudice). After examining this agreement along with the court records, all relevant submissions, and given suitable reasons, the Court has decided to approve this joint stipulation. As a result, the entire lawsuit is dismissed permanently, with no chance for re-filing. Each party will be responsible for their own legal fees and expenses. This order is based on a two-page document posted in the Central District of California court records.
The specifics of the agreement remain confidential, but it’s been whispered that Beneker received some money, albeit likely not enough for a Malibu beach house purchase. CBS didn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing or issue public comments regarding the resolution. However, this incident marks a significant milestone: it’s the first time a prominent studio has agreed to pay a settlement to someone who claimed they were unfairly rejected due to not fitting the “desired” demographic category.
In response to the lawsuit backed by America First Legal Foundation, they swiftly claimed victory. “America First Legal is glad to see Paramount and CBS publicly abandon their DEI (Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion) requirements and return to evaluating candidates based on merit,” said Nick Barry, Senior Counsel at AFLF in a statement. The timing of this development certainly raises eyebrows, as CBS had previously encountered a setback when its attempt to dismiss the case was unsuccessful in August 2024. With CBS planning for a potential merger with Skydance, it appears that settling the lawsuit may have been a strategic decision to avoid additional complexities.
In addition to the troubles facing CBS, the administration under President Trump has been intensifying its scrutiny on media companies viewed as biased. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), now headed by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, is rumored to be delaying the regulatory examination of the merger between Paramount and Skydance—a tactic that can be interpreted as an indirect method of exerting influence.
60 Minutes is currently facing a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Trump himself, stemming from an interview they conducted with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Under the strain of this legal battle, 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens has decided to step down, expressing in a staff memo that he was no longer able to maintain control over the show as he had done previously, stating: “It is now apparent that I cannot continue running the program as I have always done… Having fought for this show and its principles tirelessly over time, I am choosing to step aside.
This decision might trigger a wave of similar legal actions from other professionals claiming to have been unjustly excluded based on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. For the first time, a significant movie studio is experiencing real repercussions for its hiring methods, possibly indicating a change in Hollywood’s approach towards its widely publicized initiatives promoting diversity.
A more decisive court ruling could have sent a stronger signal to Hollywood, prompting a thorough reconsideration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. However, what we got was a hushed agreement that lets studios carry on with similar practices, but perhaps with a bit more caution in their execution. The chance for significant, transformative change, emphasizing merit over demographic targets, seems to have slipped away—at least temporarily.
Read More
- Ana build, powers, and items – Overwatch 2 Stadium
- The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 Release Date, Time, Where to Watch
- Who Is Christy Carlson Romano’s Husband? Brendan Rooney’s Job & Kids
- Beauty in Black Part 2 Trailer Previews Return of Tyler Perry Netflix Show
- Why Is Ellie Angry With Joel in The Last of Us Season 2?
- Paradise Season 2 Already Has a Release Date Update
- Who Is Kid Omni-Man in Invincible Season 3? Oliver Grayson’s Powers Explained
- Arjun Sarja’s younger daughter Anjana gets engaged to long-term boyfriend; drops dreamy PICS from ceremony at Lake Como
- Jr NTR and Prashanth Neel’s upcoming project tentatively titled NTRNEEL’s shoot set to begin on Feb 20? REPORT
- Why Was William Levy Arrested? Charges Explained
2025-04-23 18:30