In the cutthroat entertainment industry, where diversity and inclusion are touted as the golden tickets to success, a simmering controversy has been quietly brewing behind the scenes. At the epicenter of this firestorm is media giant Paramount and its subsidiary CBS, which have found themselves at the center of a high-stakes lawsuit alleging discrimination against a very specific group: straight white males. The accusations are explosive – that the companies’ well-intentioned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies have morphed into a system of punishment and exclusion, targeting a demographic that was once considered the norm. As the lawsuit reaches a surprising settlement, the questions on everyone’s mind are: what went wrong, and what does this mean for the future of diversity initiatives in corporate America? In this article, we’ll dissect the details of the lawsuit, the implications of the settlement, and what this watershed moment reveals about the complexities of promoting diversity and combating discrimination in the modern workplace.
CBS and Paramount Settle Discrimination Lawsuit
As CBS and its parent company Paramount Global navigate a high-stakes lawsuit from President Donald Trump, the media conglomerate quietly settled another lawsuit alleging racial discrimination against straight, White male employees.
In 2024, former “SEAL Team” script coordinator and writer Brian Beneker sued Paramount Global, CBS Entertainment and CBS Studios for unlawful discrimination for repeatedly denying him career advancement based on his race, sex and sexual orientation.
According to America First Legal (AFL), who represented Beneker in the case, both sides ultimately agreed to a settlement after what AFL senior counsel Nick Barry described as satisfactory moves by Paramount to publicly back away from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) polices.
“America First Legal is pleased to see Paramount and CBS publicly back off their DEI requirements and return to merit-based considerations. Diversity quotas that discriminate on the basis of race are unlawful. Others in the entertainment industry should take note,” Barry said in a statement on Monday.
Fox News Digital reached out to CBS and Paramount for comment. An AFL spokesperson also told Fox News Digital that there will be no further legal action in the case.
Background and Allegations
The original lawsuit claimed that, despite working on the show since its first season in 2017, Beneker was repeatedly denied promotion to full-time staff writer while minority writers were hired with little to no experience.
When confronting the showrunner, Beneker claimed he was told that he did not “check any diversity boxes” to warrant advancement.
DEI Policies and Controversy
CBS previously prioritized diversifying its writers’ rooms in 2020.
The AFL also cited past comments from then-CBS CEO George Cheeks in 2020 announcing efforts to ensure 40% of all writers’ rooms have “BIPOC representation” for the 2021-22 season, with the goal of increasing the figure to 50% for the 2022-23 season.
In February 2025, Paramount Global heads informed employees that it would be rolling back these initiatives in the wake of Trump’s re-election and anti-DEI policies.
This included no longer using “aspirational numerical goals” for hiring and ending its policy of collecting race, ethnicity, sex or gender data of potential applicants except when legally required.
Settlement and Implications
The settlement between Paramount and CBS has significant implications for the entertainment industry as a whole. According to America First Legal senior counsel Nick Barry, the move marks a shift away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies that discriminate against straight, white males.
“America First Legal is pleased to see Paramount and CBS publicly back off their DEI requirements and return to merit-based considerations. Diversity quotas that discriminate on the basis of race are unlawful. Others in the entertainment industry should take note,” Barry stated.
The original lawsuit claimed that Paramount and CBS had repeatedly denied career advancement to former “SEAL Team” script coordinator and writer Brian Beneker based on his race, sex, and sexual orientation. The lawsuit alleged that minority writers were hired with little to no experience, while Beneker was told he did not “check any diversity boxes” to warrant advancement.
The settlement comes as Paramount Global agrees to mediation with President Trump’s legal team, signaling a potential settlement of the $20 billion lawsuit against them. Trump is seeking $20 billion in damages, alleging election interference over CBS’s handling of a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Impact on CBS and Paramount’s Reputation and Practices
The settlement is likely to have a significant impact on CBS and Paramount’s reputation and practices. The companies have been criticized for their DEI policies, which have been accused of discriminating against straight, white males. The settlement may lead to a shift towards more merit-based considerations in hiring and career advancement.
The move may also have broader implications for the entertainment industry as a whole. Other companies may be forced to re-examine their own DEI policies and ensure they are not discriminating against certain groups. This could lead to a more inclusive and diverse industry, where opportunities are based on merit rather than race, sex, or sexual orientation.
Practical Considerations and Future Directions
The Role of Merit-Based Considerations in Hiring and Career Advancement
The settlement highlights the importance of merit-based considerations in hiring and career advancement. Companies should focus on hiring and promoting based on skills, experience, and qualifications, rather than race, sex, or sexual orientation.
This approach will not only help to eliminate discrimination but also ensure that the most talented and qualified individuals are given opportunities. In the entertainment industry, this could lead to more diverse and inclusive storytelling, as writers and producers from all backgrounds are given a chance to shine.
The Importance of Transparency and Accountability in Corporate Practices
The settlement also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in corporate practices. Companies must be open and honest about their hiring and promotion practices, and be held accountable if they are found to be discriminating against certain groups.
This can be achieved through regular audits and assessments of hiring practices, as well as the establishment of clear and transparent guidelines for career advancement. Companies must also be willing to take swift action if discrimination is found to be occurring.
Future Directions for CBS, Paramount, and the Entertainment Industry
The settlement marks a significant shift in the entertainment industry’s approach to diversity and inclusion. CBS and Paramount will need to re-examine their practices and ensure they are not discriminating against straight, white males. Other companies will also need to take note and ensure their own practices are fair and inclusive.
In the future, we can expect to see a more inclusive and diverse industry, where opportunities are based on merit rather than race, sex, or sexual orientation. This will lead to more diverse and inclusive storytelling, as writers and producers from all backgrounds are given a chance to shine.
Conclusion
A recent settlement between Paramount Pictures and CBS has brought an end to a long-standing lawsuit over the companies’ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. At the heart of the dispute was the claim that these policies unfairly targeted and penalized straight white males, effectively creating a discriminatory environment within the organizations. Key points from the article highlight the aggressive pursuit of DEI quotas, the use of reverse discrimination to achieve these goals, and the chilling effect this has had on employees who feel their careers are being unfairly impacted.
The significance of this settlement cannot be overstated. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked DEI policies that prioritize ideology over fairness and equality. By punishing employees based on their perceived demographics, these policies create a toxic work environment that stifles creativity, innovation, and diversity of thought. As we move forward, it is essential that companies prioritize genuine inclusion and respect for all employees, rather than relying on quota-driven policies that often backfire and create more problems than they solve. The future implications of this settlement will likely be far-reaching, as companies begin to reevaluate their DEI strategies and prioritize a more inclusive and equitable workplace.