Screenwriters Age Discrimination Lawsuit Settled for $70 Million
A settlement has finally been reached
in the age discrimination class action lawsuit filed years ago by 165 writers against a number of networks, production studios and talent agencies. The settlement is worth $70 million. The Hollywood Reporter reports:
It remains to be seen how much money will flow to the 165 plaintiffs who participated in the class-action suit, and attorneys for both parties involved in the 10-year battle say they are not allowed to talk about Friday's settlement, which is subject to final approval by California Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles.
Sources close to the situation calculate that those who joined the class action early are eligible for amounts ranging from $70,000-$140,000, and in some cases more. Those who joined later could get about 40% less, and a minimum amount has been set at $250.
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Of the $70 million, $43 million will be used to pay the class members and taxes on their awards, to fund required reserves and to "activities beneficial to the settlement class members." Two-thirds of the settlement will be paid by insurance companies.
Age discrimination in Hollywood is not limited to actresses who are considered over the hill at 30. Writers and other behind the scenes employees have reported numerous instances of age discrimination.
