Los Angeles, California – A writer on the CBS military drama “SEAL Team” is suing the network and its parent company, Paramount Global, alleging discrimination against him as a straight white man. Brian Beneker, a script coordinator and freelance screenwriter, claims that he was denied a staff writing job due to his race and sexual orientation.
In a complaint filed in California federal court, Beneker’s attorneys argue that CBS’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts have created a biased hiring process. The lawsuit contends that white, heterosexual men like Beneker are unfairly required to have additional qualifications compared to nonwhite, LGBTQ, or female applicants.
Beneker, who wrote three episodes of “SEAL Team,” was hired as a script coordinator for the show’s first season in 2017. He was later offered the opportunity to write an episode as a freelance writer. However, Beneker alleges that he was forced to quit his script supervisor position in order to write for the show, a move that ultimately led to his episode airing.
The lawsuit details instances where Beneker was passed over for staff writing positions in favor of less qualified candidates. The complaint alleges that the network discriminated against Beneker on the basis of his race, gender, and sexual orientation, as confirmed by a showrunner’s remarks regarding diversity quotas.
Beneker is seeking damages exceeding $500,000 for lost salary and is also requesting a permanent job as a producer. CBS has declined to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.
The lawsuit sheds light on the complexities of diversity and inclusion efforts in the entertainment industry, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals who feel they have been unfairly treated in the workplace. It raises important questions about hiring practices and the impact of diversity initiatives on different demographic groups within the industry.