Paramount and CBS Reach Settlement in Discrimination Case Involving DEI Policies Against Straight White Males

Paramount and CBS Reach Settlement in Discrimination Case Involving DEI Policies Against Straight White Males

In a surprising turn of events, CBS and its parent company, Paramount Global, have settled a significant discrimination lawsuit concerning their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. The settlement comes amidst ongoing legal battles faced by the media conglomerate, including a high-profile lawsuit from former President Donald Trump.

In 2024, Brian Beneker, a former script coordinator for the television series “SEAL Team,” initiated legal action against Paramount Global, CBS Entertainment, and CBS Studios. He alleged that he faced unlawful discrimination, claiming his race, sex, and sexual orientation obstructed his career advancement opportunities.

America First Legal, the organization representing Beneker, reported that both parties came to a settlement after Paramount made what AFL senior counsel Nick Barry termed satisfactory changes to its public stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

Barry stated, “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.” This statement highlights a significant shift in industry attitudes regarding diversity initiatives.

In a move to reinforce their commitment to merit-based hiring, CBS and Paramount have stated that they would no longer require adherence to specific DEI benchmarks. This change is expected to impact hiring practices across their productions.

Reports indicate that the lawsuit stemmed from Beneker’s experience on the acclaimed series “SEAL Team,” where he had been involved since its inception in 2017. Despite his extensive experience, he alleged that he was overlooked for promotions, while less experienced writers from minority backgrounds were offered full-time positions.

During a confrontation with the show’s leadership, Beneker claims he was told he did not fulfill the necessary diversity criteria to be considered for a promotion. This particularly troubling remark illustrates how some diversity policies can produce unintended consequences, potentially hindering qualified candidates from advancing in their careers.

Evidence presented by America First Legal pointed to past statements by George Cheeks, the then-CEO of CBS, who in 2020 announced an initiative to increase representation in writers’ rooms. Cheeks aimed for 40% BIPOC representation for the 2021-22 season, with aspirations to reach 50% the following year. The previous commitment and its reversal highlight the ongoing debates within the industry concerning DEI efforts.

In February 2025, leaders at Paramount Global announced a strategic pivot, revealing that they would be discontinuing DEI initiatives. This announcement coincided with Trump’s rising political influence and his administration’s stance against such inclusion policies. It marked a significant cultural shift within the organization.

As part of the announced changes, Paramount stated that it would no longer utilize aspirational numerical goals for hiring. Furthermore, they indicated an end to the collection of demographic data regarding race, ethnicity, sex, or gender, unless legally mandated to do so. This decision reflects the mounting pressure from various sectors challenging the effectiveness and fairness of DEI policies.

The backdrop of these changes is dominated by Trump’s ongoing legal challenges against CBS, where he is seeking $20 billion in damages. This lawsuit accuses CBS of election interference linked to their coverage of a “60 Minutes” interview featuring Kamala Harris. Trump claims the network’s editing misrepresented him and unfairly benefitted his political opponents in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.

The lawsuit’s implications extend beyond CBS and hint at a broader national conversation around the role of DEI initiatives in workplaces and industries across the board. Critics argue such policies can inadvertently favor certain groups while marginalizing others, sparking significant discussions about equality and justice in the workplace.

This settlement has reignited the conversation surrounding DEI in the entertainment industry. While many organizations advocate for equitable representation, the backlash against these policies suggests a growing skepticism among some creators and industry veterans.

As networks reevaluate their approaches, it remains crucial to monitor how these decisions affect employee morale, creativity, and the quality of programming. Observers will be watching closely to see if other entities will follow suit or if they will remain committed to diversity initiatives.

Ultimately, the case reflects a larger narrative concerning the evolving dynamics of workplace diversity and inclusion. The entertainment industry, known for its progressive values, faces scrutiny as it navigates between commitment to representation and the demand for merit-based hiring practices.

Future Outlook for DEI Policies in Media

As Paramount and CBS settle their differences with Beneker, the industry is at a crossroads concerning DEI policies. Observers wonder whether this case might set a precedent, encouraging other organizations to reconsider their DEI frameworks.

With the path forward uncertain, media companies may find themselves balancing the pursuit of a diverse workforce while maintaining fairness and propriety in hiring practices. This settlement has already triggered discussions among industry insiders, and the coming months will likely see significant shifts in light of these revelations.

In navigating these challenges, it is essential for industry leaders to engage in constructive dialogue, ensuring that the drive for diversity does not compromise the principles of inclusivity and fairness. The journey will require reflection, and a commitment to genuine meritocracy in the creative workplace.

As American society grapples with its own complexities surrounding race, identity, and opportunity, the questions raised by this case will resonate well beyond the walls of CBS and Paramount. Observers will be watching to see how these discussions unfold, shaping the future landscape of the entertainment business.