‘SEAL Team’ Writer Discrimination Lawsuit Moves Forward After Judge Rejects CBS’ Dismissal Attempt
A U.S. District Court judge has rejected an attempt by CBS Studio to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a former member of the SEAL Team writing staff who alleged he was denied employment and job opportunities in favor of less qualified applicants in “favored” groups, i.e., nonwhite, LGBTQ and female.
In a ruling Wednesday, Judge John F. Walter denied CBS’ motion, saying the “the Court concludes that the issues raised by Defendant are more appropriately resolved on a motion for summary judgment” rather than oral arguments.
It halts a jury trial for now. Brian Beneker, a onetime script supervisor and freelance writer for the CBS procedural, filed the civil suit in February in the Central District of California.
Beneker, a white male, claimed he wasn’t hired or promoted “due to his race, sex, and heterosexuality,” citing in his argument the “illegal policy” of diversity, equity and inclusion measures. “This balancing policy has created a situation where heterosexual, white men need ‘extra’ qualifications (including military experience or previous writing credits) to be hired as staff writers when compared to their nonwhite, LGBTQ, or female peers, who require no such ‘extra’ qualifications,” the filing reads.
