Former WBZ-TV anchor Kate Merrill has filed a federal lawsuit against CBS’ Boston affiliate, alleging that her career was jeopardized under the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The lawsuit claims that WBZ-TV exploited DEI policies to demote her, despite her professional conduct, and failed to address complaints against a Black meteorologist, Jason Mikell, who was hired in 2023. Merrill’s lawsuit asserts that the network’s leadership labeled WBZ as ‘too White’ and the ‘Whitest of all their stations,’ prompting actions that she alleges were driven by corporate DEI goals rather than merit-based evaluations. She further claims that WBZ did not investigate complaints against Mikell, including his inappropriate sexual innuendo on air and aggressive behavior toward her, and instead focused on allegations of racial bias against herself.
According to the complaint, CBS executives had acknowledged in 2021 that ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion standards need to be a top priority for leadership in every corner’ moving forward. The lawsuit cites remarks by CBS executives that WBZ was ‘too White,’ the ‘least diverse station for on-air talent,’ and the ‘Whitest of all their stations.’ These statements, according to Merrill, formed the basis for actions that she claims were motivated by corporate DEI agendas, leading to her demotion from co-anchor of the ‘Weekday Morning Show’ to weekend nights. She alleges that this demotion was intended to ‘sabotage’ her career and that her colleagues and senior leaders at SAG-AFTRA described the move as ‘career-ending.’
Merrill was allegedly warned that the demotion would cause irreversible damage to her career, especially in the context of allegations that she was racist. As a result, she resigned on May 24, 2024, citing constructive discharge. Her employment agreement with WB, which expires on June 1, 2025, includes a non-competition provision, leaving her unable to work in her field until after that date. She is seeking damages for the financial losses stemming from the demotion, as well as for reputational harm and unpaid vacation days. CBS’ parent company, Paramount, has promised to eliminate DEI policies ahead of its merger with Skydance Media, a development that could have significant implications for the future of corporate DEI strategies.
WBZ-TV and Mikell did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, the case has sparked significant debate over the role of DEI initiatives in corporate decision-making and how they might be perceived to influence employment practices. The lawsuit highlights growing tensions between corporate diversity goals and perceived unfair treatment of employees, raising questions about the balance between inclusivity and merit-based advancement in the media industry.