Reverse Race Discrimination Lawsuit Alleges NBC Wrongfully Terminated Band Members

A new lawsuit by two NBC workers asserts “reverse” racial discrimination. The employment law case asserts that two white workers were wrongfully dismissed on the basis of their race. Allegedly, the men were fired due to “misplaced blame” and retaliation after two white and one Black member of a band that plays on a late night talk show received an offensive text message from a stagehand. The men went to management and asked them to investigate the incident. The men were subsequently terminated after another member of the band demanded they be disciplined. However, the third member, who was Black, did not face similar repercussions. In the lawsuit, the men assert that their termination and the retention of the Black band member were racially motivated.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race. This means that employers may not take race into consideration when making employment decisions, including whether to hire, fire or promote. Title VII was initially thought to be limited to Black people and other racial minorities, not white employees. But the law protects individuals of all races and colors, not simply racial minorities. When a non-minority employee brings such a claim, it is known as a “reverse discrimination” claim. Although reverse discrimination cases can be somewhat more difficult to prove than a case brought by a racial minority, the rule is the same–you may not be discriminated against based on the color of your skin, whatever color you may be.

NBC denied the allegations and stated, “NBC is committed to providing a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.”

For more information or if you believe that you have suffered any form of employment discrimination, please contact the dedicated Atlanta race discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.