Age Discrimination Lawsuit Accuses Hallmark Executives of Bias Against Older Women

Hallmark Faces Age Discrimination Lawsuit from Former Employee

As Hallmark continues its holiday programming, the network is facing an age discrimination lawsuit from a former employee. According to a suit filed on October 9 in Los Angeles Superior Court, Penny Perry, a 79-year-old casting director, claims that Hallmark executive vice president of programming Lisa Hamilton Daly, senior vice president of programming and development Randy Pope, and vice president of human resources Paul Hodgkinson, were involved in her wrongful termination, as well as age and disability discrimination.

Accusations of Discrimination

According to the complaint, Perry claims that Daly said, “We need to bring in someone…who knows more young talent,” and “Our leading ladies are aging out.” The suit name-checks network stars Lacey Chabert and Holly Robinson Peete, who are 42 and 60, respectively. “Lacey’s getting older and we have to find someone like her to replace her as she gets older,” Daly allegedly said. Of Peete, she allegedly said, “No one wants her because she’s too expensive and getting too old. She can’t play leading roles anymore.”

Hallmark Denies Claims

Hallmark has denied the claims, stating, “Lacey and Holly have a home at Hallmark. We do not generally comment on pending litigation. And while we deny these outrageous allegations, we are not going to discuss an employment relationship in the media.”

Holly Robinson Peete’s Praise for Hallmark

In a previous interview, Peete praised Hallmark for hiring women of a certain age. “Now I’m pushing 60 and I’m still number one on the call sheet with nice chocolate brown boys that are my love interest,” she said. “Like, I’m not aunty status.”

Seeking Relief

Perry is seeking injunctive relief, “economic damages for loss of past and future earnings,” and additional damages from Hallmark after alleging that Hamilton Daly told her she was “too old to work in her position and maneuvered to push her out of the company.” The casting director, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and is legally blind in one eye, also claimed that she received a strong annual performance evaluation two months before her ouster and subsequent replacement by a younger man.

Conclusion

This age discrimination lawsuit against Hallmark highlights the ongoing issue of ageism in the entertainment industry. As the prevalence of older women in leading roles continues to grow, it is crucial to ensure that hiring practices are fair and equitable.Hallmark’s response to the allegations will be closely monitored, as the network’s actions have a significant impact on its employees and the entertainment industry at large.

FAQs

* What is the nature of the age discrimination lawsuit against Hallmark?
The lawsuit accuses Hallmark executives of age and disability discrimination, wrongful termination, and discrimination against older women in the entertainment industry.
* Who are the accused in the lawsuit?
Hallmark executive vice president of programming Lisa Hamilton Daly, senior vice president of programming and development Randy Pope, and vice president of human resources Paul Hodgkinson.
* What is the alleged discrimination?
The lawsuit alleges that the executives engaged in age and disability discrimination, including ageist comments about leading ladies, such as Lacey Chabert and Holly Robinson Peete.
* What is Hallmark’s response to the allegations?
Hallmark has denied the claims, stating that they do not comment on pending litigation.