Ex-Disney lawyer sues, says layoff made room for younger hire
Mary Fossier, a former Disney associate general counsel, filed a discrimination and wrongful termination suit in L.A. Superior Court, Deadline reports.
Mary Fossier, a former associate general counsel at Disney, filed a five-claim discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination complaint against the company in L.A. Superior Court on Thursday, according to Deadline.
Fossier claims she was fired in a round of layoffs to make way for a younger and less qualified colleague. She is seeking unspecified damages, compensation for past and future lost income, and injunctive relief.
Disney had no comment on the suit when contacted by Deadline.
Background
Fossier worked at Disney for 29 years, rising from a business litigator to Senior Vice President. On October 24, 2023, her new supervisor, Louise Pentland, told her during their first meeting that she needed to think about retiring, when Fossier was 64, according to the complaint. Fossier reported Pentland's ageist comments and behavior to Disney HR on at least three occasions. Disney fired Fossier in late 2024 under then-CEO Bob Iger. In the summer of 2024, Disney legal higher-ups asked Fossier for input on a cost-saving initiative dubbed "Project Coco."
Quick answers
Who is suing Disney?
Mary Fossier, a former associate general counsel at Disney, filed the suit in L.A. Superior Court.
What is Mary Fossier seeking?
She is seeking unspecified damages, compensation for past and future lost income, and injunctive relief.
What does Disney say about the lawsuit?
Disney had no comment on the suit when contacted by Deadline.