Former Paramount Executive Sues, Alleges Reverse Discrimination in DEI Push

A former Paramount executive has filed a lawsuit against the media giant. Joseph Jerome claims he was fired due to his race and age. The suit was filed in California federal court.

It challenges the company’s previous diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Jerome alleges these policies led to the termination of older white employees. This case emerges as corporate DEI efforts face increased legal and political scrutiny.

Lawsuit Details Claims of Targeted Termination

Joseph Jerome worked for Paramount for three decades. His most recent role was Senior Vice President for *Entertainment Tonight*. He was one of three CBS Media Ventures attorneys let go last year.

According to the complaint, all three were white and over 50. Jerome states he was replaced by a 25-year-old Black law school graduate. His two colleagues were allegedly replaced by younger, Asian attorneys.

The lawsuit details a meeting with a CBS News president. In it, she reportedly emphasized hiring younger staff to attract younger viewers. Soon after, Jerome was criticized for thinking “old” during a business discussion.

Broader Legal Shift Impacts Corporate Diversity Policies

This lawsuit follows significant Supreme Court activity on discrimination. The Court recently made it easier for majority groups to sue employers. This has created a more complex legal environment for corporate diversity programs.

According to Reuters, many companies are now re-evaluating their DEI language. Terms like “underrepresented groups” are being scrutinized. Policies that explicitly tie bonuses to diversity metrics are particularly vulnerable.

This is not Paramount’s first such legal challenge. CBS Studios settled a similar lawsuit in April. That case also alleged discrimination against straight white men through diversity quotas.

The media industry is watching this case closely. Its outcome could influence how entertainment companies structure their hiring and retention programs. The legal landscape for workplace diversity is rapidly evolving.

This Paramount DEI lawsuit highlights the growing legal challenges facing corporate diversity initiatives. The case could set a significant precedent for how companies implement inclusion policies moving forward.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the main allegation in the Paramount lawsuit?

Joseph Jerome alleges he was fired because he is white and over 50. He claims Paramount’s DEI goals led to the termination of older white employees. He says he was replaced by a younger, minority employee.

How has the Supreme Court influenced these types of cases?

The Court recently sided with a straight woman who lost promotions to gay coworkers. It also struck down a legal rule that made it harder for majority groups to prove discrimination. These decisions have lowered the legal barrier for reverse discrimination lawsuits.

Has Paramount faced similar lawsuits before?

Yes. CBS Studios, a Paramount subsidiary, settled a lawsuit in April. A script coordinator for *SEAL Team* made similar allegations. He claimed the company’s diversity quotas discriminated against straight white men.

How are companies changing their DEI approaches?

Many are shifting their language to avoid legal risk. They are moving away from explicit race-based hiring goals. Instead, they use terms like “underrepresented perspectives” or focus on broader inclusion.

What was Paramount’s response to the lawsuit?

Paramount has not issued a public statement on the recent filing. The company did not immediately reply to requests for comment from major news outlets.