Los Angeles, California — Disney is facing allegations of pay inequity once again, less than a year following its settlement of a $43 million class-action lawsuit related to compensation disparities among female employees. The new lawsuit has been filed by Alisa Clairet, a former senior legal executive with the company.
Clairet, who spent two decades with Disney and held prominent roles within its Legal Affairs group for the Disney Channel, claims in her August 15 filing that she was systematically underpaid compared to male colleagues who had similar experience and responsibilities. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, presents multiple claims under California law, alleging violations of the Pay Equity Act, sex discrimination, retaliation, and other labor law infringements.
According to the legal documents, Clairet asserts that throughout her tenure, she consistently received lower wages than a male counterpart in equivalent roles within the same department. Despite her efforts to bring these disparities to Disney’s attention, she claims her concerns were largely ignored. Following the settlement of the earlier class-action lawsuit, Clairet alleges she was terminated as retaliation for advocating for equitable pay.
The lawsuit outlines various grievances, including not just pay inequality but also retaliatory actions taken against her for raising the issue. Clairet’s attorney, Nathan M. Smith, emphasizes that the case is about justice for prolonged discrimination that Clairet faced throughout her employment.
Moreover, the filings detail that while Clairet was laid off in October 2024—an action described as cost-cutting—the male counterpart she referenced retained his position. This disparity further highlights the issues she is contesting and raises questions about the legitimacy of the cost-cutting rationale provided to her.
Clairet seeks not only damages but also back pay, reinstatement, or front pay in lieu of reinstatement, emphasizing her belief that her termination was unwarranted. The severity of her claims could have significant implications for Disney’s reputation and financial obligations, as the lawsuit looks to address foundational issues regarding the company’s pay structures.
This latest lawsuit follows a settlement involving approximately 14,000 female employees who were part of the earlier class action, which Disney fought vigorously before agreeing to a multi-million dollar payout. Although the settlement was substantial, it fell short of the $300 million initially sought by the plaintiffs upon obtaining class certification.
Disney has yet to publicly comment on Clairet’s recent allegations. Additionally, to date, there has been little movement in the court proceedings since the lawsuit was filed, aside from the assignment of a new judge.
As the legal landscape evolves, the implications of Clairet’s claims could reflect broader trends and workplace challenges, particularly surrounding issues of pay equity within large corporations.
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