

A script coordinator for the drama series SEAL Team accused Paramount in lawsuit of allegedly carrying illegal practices specifically discriminating white men. CBS would end up settling the lawsuit.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, both sides’ legal representers informed the court about the case’s settlement. The terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed, however they noted that “action and all claims and defenses asserted therein, be dismissed with prejudice.”
It was last year when script coordinator Brian Beneker alleged that he was denied a job as a SEAL Team staff writer, referring to an “illegal policy of race and sex balancing.” Beneker claimed that this policy would unfairly promote the hirings of applicants from minority groupings. His efforts sought out for the disbarring of this policy, along with his own accommodations involving $500,000 and a full-time job as a producer on the set of SEAL Team.
The Hollywood Reporter points out that Beneker received representation by America First Legal Foundation. This conservative foundation is funded by the White House, and also has a history with major companies such as Starbucks and BlackRock involving complaints about their hiring practices. It has also made discriminatory claims about Disney, implying that a great amount of staff are allegedly favored and hired due to minority status.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the court overseeing the case would rebuff Paramount’s bid to fully dismiss it. It would be the company’s efforts at approval of their proposed merger with Skydance that would lead to the lawsuit’s settlement.
This settlement coincides with several companies across media drawing back diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Companies like Warner Bros, Paramount, Disney and Discovery have all made an effort at getting away from certain initiatives. Most notably, The Hollywood Reporter mentions that Paramount abolished staffing goals involving gender, ethnicity, race and sex. Tracking gender and diversity data was also discontinued, making it clear that the company was no longer prioritizing DEI goals throughout its hiring practices. President Donald Trump’s intentions remain as his presidency goes on, campaigning for the elimination of DEI programs throughout the media.
Reagarding the settlement, both CBS and Paramount refused to comment. The Hollywood Reporter also states that Beneker’s lawyers refrained from responding immediately to comment requests.
