Former Netflix Labor Lawyer Files Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination and Wrongful Termination
In a significant legal development, Nhu-y Phan, a former labor lawyer at Netflix, has filed a lawsuit against the streaming giant, claiming she was wrongfully terminated after raising serious issues regarding racial discrimination and sexual harassment within the organization. Phan, who previously held positions at the Directors Guild of America and IATSE Local 600, joined Netflix in 2021 with an annual salary of $400,000.
The lawsuit alleges that Phan was dismissed three years later after voicing legitimate concerns about her treatment at the company. According to court documents, “Ms. Phan has been devastated both economically and emotionally by her wrongful discharge.” The suit highlights how, once a highly respected professional, Phan now faces significant challenges in securing comparable employment. The emotional toll of her termination, coupled with the loss of income and damage to her reputation, has been profound.
Phan contends that during her tenure at Netflix, she and fellow women of color were systematically denied opportunities that were afforded to their white male counterparts. She raised concerns to HR about her supervisor, Ted Sinclair, who allegedly engaged in “microaggressions and micromanagement” towards her. Furthermore, Phan was reportedly excluded from a committee responsible for handling DGA negotiations, despite her previous experience at the DGA and solid relationships with its top executives.
After requesting a reassignment, Phan was moved to a different supervisor. However, she claims that Sinclair continued to withhold key assignments from her. In her complaints to HR, Phan expressed that witnessing white employees receive these assignments was not inclusive, contradicting Netflix’s core value of “inclusion.” Notably, Sinclair was eventually promoted despite these allegations.
Phan’s concerns extended to her new supervisor, whom she accused of sexual harassment for allegedly inviting a co-worker to lunch, dinner, and drinks at the upscale restaurant Nobu. In June 2024, Phan received a “360” feedback report suggesting improvements in her communication skills. Shortly after, during a departmental reshuffle, she was terminated for purported “performance issues,” according to the lawsuit.
As of now, Netflix has not provided a comment regarding the lawsuit. This case sheds light on the ongoing issues of workplace discrimination and harassment, emphasizing the importance of fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
