Los Angeles — A lawsuit challenging CBS Studio’s hiring practices has been allowed to proceed by a federal judge in the Central District of California, opening up further examination into the entertainment giant’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. The suit, filed earlier this year by former script supervisor and freelance writer Brian Beneker, accuses CBS of discriminatory hiring favoring less qualified individuals based on race, sexual orientation, and gender.
The court’s decision, announced Wednesday by Judge John F. Walter, dismissed CBS’s request to have the suit thrown out, indicating that the complexities of the case warrant a more thorough review which would be suitable at the summary judgment stage, rather than dismissal at this early phase. This development postpones any potential trial, keeping the issues alive in the legal arena for now.
Beneker’s allegations state he was consistently overlooked for promotion and employment opportunities due to being a heterosexual, white male. His filing criticizes CBS’s implementation of diversity policies, arguing they unfairly require individuals like him to meet additional qualifications that are not demanded of others in “favored” demographic groups.
The complaint seeks damages of $500,000 for alleged lost wages and demands an injunction that would compel CBS to offer Beneker a full-time producer position. This legal challenge has also attracted support from the America First Legal Foundation, a conservative nonprofit cofounded by Stephen Miller, former senior advisor to President Donald Trump.
CBS Studios, along with its parent company Paramount Global and CBS Entertainment Group, defended their actions in their motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed in June. They cited the First Amendment, stating the network has the right to select creative personnel who they believe best fit the vision of their programming.
The defense articulated by CBS posits that a court ruling in favor of Beneker could limit the network’s creative freedom, determining it crucial that they maintain the ability to tell stories as they see fit, with storytellers who align with their production goals.
The legal proceedings come amidst continued public and industry dialogue about the roles and responsibilities of major studios in promoting diversity and inclusion while balancing merit and qualifications. This lawsuit places these discussions in a contentious legal framework, potentially setting precedents on how diversity policies are implemented in corporate America, particularly in high-stakes, creative industries.
Further court dates including a schedule for a summary judgment have not yet been announced. Meanwhile, CBS’s “SEAL Team,” which is at the center of this controversy, released its seventh and final season earlier on August 11, available on the streaming platform Paramount+.
As the case unfolds, it will likely attract further comment and scrutiny from legal experts, industry insiders, and advocacy groups focused on civil rights and employment equity, reflecting broader societal debates over diversity initiatives and their impact in the workplace.