A former writer and producer is suing FX Networks LLC, alleging she was wrongfully fired earlier this year in retaliation for reporting workplace safety and labor concerns, including a co-worker bringing a knife into the office and missing meal breaks.
Diara Bradley also contends in her Santa Monica Superior Court lawsuit that she was discriminated against because she suffered from back pain and headaches and that she worked 50 to 60 hours weekly and wasn’t paid for all of that time.
The lawsuit allegations include wrongful termination, retaliation, disability discrimination and failure to accommodate and engage in the interactive process. She seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. An FX Networks representative did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the suit brought Sept. 30.
Bradley was hired as an associate writer and producer in August 2021 and duties included marketing, social media, writing and creating scripts for promotional content. She says she regularly worked 50 to 60 hours weekly, often missed rest and meal breaks and was discouraged by management from leaving the office to eat.
Bradley reported serious workplace safety concerns to management, including an overworked co-worker who brought a knife into the workplace, according to the suit, which adds that supervisors did not address the hazard or her missed meal break concerns.
Bradley is a migraine headache and back pain sufferer and her conditions stemmed from a fall at work due to exhaustion, the suit states.
In addition, Bradley has been under continuous care for a mental health condition for which she gets ongoing treatment, the suit further states. Management was aware of Bradley’s health issues and needs for accommodations, but instead of meeting the plaintiff’s justified needs, management fired her effective June 21, the suit states.
Bradley believes the real reason for her termination was her complaints about her workplace safety and missed meal breaks, the complaint states.