Former ABC Producer Alleges Matt Gutman Made Inappropriate Comments
Deadline • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Former ABC News producer Samira Said filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against ABC, The Walt Disney Co., Matt Gutman, and David Herndon, alleging discrimination, harassment, and retaliation related to mental health accommodations.
- Said claims she was terminated after requesting accommodations for depression and trauma-related conditions, and that HR forced her to choose between returning without accommodations or not returning at all.
- The lawsuit includes allegations that Matt Gutman made inappropriate sexualized remarks about a female colleague and directed a sexualized insinuation toward Said in front of coworkers.
- Said also alleges adverse employment actions including demotion to weekend shifts, denial of adequate medical leave, and eventual termination despite being praised as a top performer by ABC News leadership.
- The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, attorney fees, costs, and declaratory relief; neither ABC News nor CBS News have commented on the litigation.
