A CBS executive who was fired when the network claimed he referred to an anchor as “too gay” has received a payout of almost $13 million.

In 2021, Peter Dunn was put on leave from CBS following accusations that he, as a TV executive, had made discriminatory comments regarding race, gender, and sexual orientation within the workplace.

Nevertheless, an appellate board has determined that the previous high-ranking employee was dismissed prior to the completion of the inquiry into his behavior, thus violating the conditions of their severance agreement.

The network’s moves have “ruined” Mr. Dunn’s life and prevented him from securing any additional employment, according to his attorneys.

This wasn’t ever about Peter’s behavior; it was meant to satisfy the outrage culture,” attorney Larry Hutcher stated to The New York Post. “This situation resembled the Red Scare and was both short-sighted and unjust.

It is the latest blow to the network after it was

accused of political bias

in the lead up to the election.

Dunn faced allegations of making racially charged remarks.

Mr Dunn was placed on leave in 2021 after an article in the Los Angeles Times accused him of fostering a hostile work environment.

A previous staff member alleged that the executive, with two decades of service at the company, had uttered “racist, sexist, homophobic, and discriminatory remarks,” such as referring to an anchorman as “too gay.”

Someone else mentioned he referred to a Black presenter at a Philadelphia affiliate as a “jive guy.”

Prior to concluding its probe, CBS dismissed Mr. Dunn, stating in his dismissal letter that he would remain compensated “as if your termination was unwarranted,” and indicating that they might modify the termination conditions after the investigation concluded, as per court documents.

However, once the probe concluded after four months, the organization revised his termination to “for cause,” indicating significant wrongdoing warranting dismissal—consequently depriving him of millions in payments related to equity and deferred compensation he would have otherwise received.

“The proper and prudent response would have been to suspend him, continue to pay him, wait for the investigation to be completed, and then fire him,” Mr Dunn’s lawyer said.

When the case moved to arbitration last year, a panel of retired judges ruled that CBS had to determine at the time of Mr Dunn’s sacking if it was “for cause” or “without cause”.

The employment contract did not allow for “a new and nebulous third option” a judge wrote last year.

CBS firmly opposes the victory in the appeal.

After CBS appealed the decision, a second arbitration board ruled in Mr Dunn’s favour last week, ordering the network to pay him $7 million plus interest, equating to a total of $9.78 million.

“This case has always been about Peter Dunn aiming to rehabilitate his otherwise unblemished reputation, which he cultivated over two decades at CBS,” stated Mr. Hutcher.

We appreciate that both the initial arbitrator and the appeal board sided with Mr. Dunn, acknowledging his wrongful termination. We eagerly anticipate the confirmation of the ruling in court, enabling us to implement this decision.

A representative from CBS informed The Post that a “procedural matter” resulted in an arbitration ruling in their favor, stating they “firmly” disagree with the outcome.

Four years ago, we dismissed Peter Dunn from his position as head of CBS Television Stations due to reasons that have been extensively covered and shared with the public,” stated the spokesperson. “The choice was not influenced by the content of the accusations made against Mr. Dunn.

CBS has faced multiple departures over the past several months following

Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against the news organization.

following accusations that it manipulated an interview with Kamala Harris to make her seem more articulate.

This week saw Wendy McMahon, the President of CBS, resign her position shortly after Bill Owens, the Executive Producer of 60 Minutes, departed amidst allegations of interference with editorial autonomy.

The exits have sparked rumors that the company’s parent might soon reach a settlement with Mr. Trump regarding their legal dispute.



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