Ex-Chicago Blackhawks Staffer Accuses Team of Discrimination, Dismissal in Lawsuit” | NHL News Times of India

According to a New York Times report by Mark Lazerus and Scott Powers, a former employee of the Chicago Blackhawks has filed a lawsuit against the team, accusing them of discrimination and wrongful termination. The claimant, identified as a gay man, alleges he was treated differently by his superior and was terminated following his interview with Outsports, a platform that focuses on LGBTQ+ issues in sports.

The plaintiff, Anthony Filomena, is claiming back pay with interest, front pay, lost benefits, attorney’s fees, and both punitive and compensatory damages. Filomena used to work as a public relations manager for the Blackhawks. He accuses his supervisor of treating him with hostility and aggression, which escalated after he reported the issue to the team’s human resources department.

According to the lawsuit, Filomena was fired after he criticized his supervisor for unfair comments about his interview with Outsports, which was officially endorsed by Danny Wirtz, owner and chairman of the Blackhawks. Filomena claims his dismissal was falsely justified by the assertion that this interview was unauthorised.

In an August 15 interview with CBS News, Filomena spoke about the adversity he was facing following his termination. He shared concerns about his livelihood, stating he should not have to fear for his job security or worry about losing his apartment and dogs. He points to the disillusionment of having built a network of relationships and making a name for himself in the city, only to end up struggling to make ends meet after serving the Blackhawks as a publicist for two years.