https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/netflix-sued-by-former-employee/amp/

Netflix sued by former employee over alleged discrimination and retaliation

Angelique Brenes

A former senior labor relations attorney at Netflix has filed a lawsuit against the streaming giant and two of its executives, alleging that she was fired in retaliation for reporting racial discrimination and sexual harassment within the company.

The complaint, filed by the Pasadena-based civil rights law firm Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai (HSRD), alleges that Netflix, along with Senior Director Ted Sinclair and executive Jonah Cozien, violated federal anti-retaliation laws and tried to silence whistleblowers by forcing them into private arbitration.

The plaintiff, Nhu Phan, is represented by HSRD attorneys Brian Olney and Kate McFarlane.

According to the lawsuit, Phan joined Netflix in 2021 and quickly rose through the ranks due to what internal evaluations described as exemplary work. One such evaluation from Cozien, her former supervisor, reportedly called her a “great asset” with “utter courage, brilliant communication, and outstanding integrity.”

Despite these positive reviews, the complaint alleges that Sinclair, who oversaw labor relations for most of Netflix’s scripted content, discriminated against Phan and other women of color by excluding them from key opportunities and attributing their work to white colleagues. 

Phan said she raised concerns internally on multiple occasions, including to Human Resources and senior leadership. She claimed the company failed to act and later promoted Sinclair in 2023.

After requesting a new supervisor, Phan was reassigned to Cozien in August 2022. The complaint alleges she subsequently became aware that Cozien was sexually harassing a younger female colleague. Phan said she reported the harassment to Human Resources. 

After the report, Cozien allegedly retaliated against her, including by withdrawing a promise to promote her to a lead role on a major production. Phan was terminated shortly afterward. 

According to HSRD, Netflix then filed a lawsuit against her in an effort to compel arbitration. Her attorneys say this violates the federal Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, which bars employers from using arbitration to conceal complaints involving sexual misconduct.

“Netflix is a corporate bully that will do anything to avoid responsibility for its actions,” said HSRD partner Brian Olney in a press statement. “Nhu Phan had the courage to blow the whistle about Netflix executives who are discriminating against women of color and sexually harassing a female employee. Rather than address the serious issues she raised, Netflix repeatedly tried to silence Ms. Phan, first by firing her and then by suing her.”

Attorney Kate McFarlane added, “Nhu Phan was brave enough to speak out about a culture of discrimination and harassment by men in power at Netflix. As a result, Netflix fired her, promoted her abusers, and attempted to silence her. She continues to stand up for herself and other women of color at Netflix.”

KTLA contacted Netflix for comment. A spokesperson responded, “These claims lack merit and we intend to defend this matter vigorously.”