Disney and ABC Moved to Dismiss Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
Attorneys filed court papers seeking to pare down a discrimination and harassment lawsuit filed by a former employee.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Human Resources
The Walt Disney Company and ABC have filed a motion to dismiss a wrongful termination lawsuit brought by former field producer Samira Said. The defense is seeking to remove eight specific claims from the action filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Why it matters
The motion challenges the inclusion of Disney in the litigation, arguing the company did not employ the plaintiff. Additionally, the defense contends that the claims brought against ABC are legally unsustainable, setting the stage for a critical procedural hearing.
The defense has moved to dismiss eight specific claims brought by the plaintiff. The motion precedes a scheduled judicial hearing to determine the scope of the case.
The players
Samira Said
She is a former field producer for ABC who filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination and wrongful termination.
The Walt Disney Company
It is a global media and entertainment conglomerate that is a named defendant in the lawsuit.
ABC
It is a major American television network and production entity named as a defendant in the case.
Kevin C. Brazile
He is a judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court who is presiding over the scheduled hearing.
The details
Samira Said alleges she faced retaliation and harassment during her tenure, which began in May 2021. She claims she was required to work assignments, including the 2022 Uvalde school shooting and January 2025 wildfires, despite experiencing health issues or needing accommodations.
Timeline
May 2021: Samira Said was hired as a field producer.
Early 2022: Said contracted COVID-19.
May 2022: Said covered the Uvalde school shooting.
January 2025: Said covered the wildfires.
March 2025: Said was terminated from her position.
Market Landscape
This litigation highlights ongoing disputes over employment classification within large media conglomerates. It reflects a broader trend of legal challenges regarding parent company responsibility for subsidiary personnel actions.
The outcome of this case could influence how media organizations handle personnel and labor claims in Los Angeles. Residents should monitor the legal proceedings for potential shifts in workplace safety and employee accommodation standards.
The takeaway
This case underscores the complexity of employment relationships within multi-layered corporate structures. Employees and employers alike should be aware of how specific legal entities are named in claims when seeking or defending against workplace litigation.
What happens next
Judge Kevin C. Brazile is scheduled to hold a hearing regarding the motion to dismiss on January 8, 2027.
Further reading
For more context on legal trends in workplace disputes, visit Human Resources.
