Blackhawks in trouble: Discrimination allegations surface after PR director fire
Photo credit: ESPN
Chicago Blackhawks embroiled in controversy following PR manager's dismissal.
The recent dismissal of Anthony Filomena, a former public relations manager for the Chicago Blackhawks, has sparked allegations of discrimination and prompted legal actions that spotlight the intersection of professional conduct and personal identity within sports organizations.
Filomena, who is openly gay, claims his termination was directly linked to his support for LGBTQ+ rights, as expressed in an article he authored on Outsports.com celebrating Pride.
" Now Filomena alleges he was fired as the result of "possible sexual orientation discrimination" shortly after the Outsports article and has retained an attorney for possible legal action. "
According to the Blackhawks, the decision to terminate Filomena had no relation to his sexual orientation.
Their spokesperson, Ben Fromstein, described the dismissal as a reflection of "a complete disregard to our policies, procedures, and clearly-documented expectations."
" In fact, prior to the issues noted below, the organization featured Mr. Filomena and a number of other employees during last year's Pride Month on our LinkedIn channel. His public accusations are insulting to the organization and the many employees, including several in senior leadership, who identify as LGBTQ+ and contribute to the Blackhawks and our sport every day," said Fromstein. "
Despite the organization's statement, the timing of Filomena's dismissal�immediately following his published article on April 29th�has raised questions.
Filomena, in anticipation of his role being possibly misconstrued, had already reached out for a potential interview to discuss the Blackhawks' initiatives from a broader perspective.
" I wanted to talk about so much of our great initiatives and what we're doing behind the scenes that people don't know, " Filomena expressed, acknowledging his unique position but preferring a broader representation. However, the situation took a sharp turn when he was unexpectedly dismissed. "
" I sit down and Jerry's like, �Anthony, this is your last day with the Blackhawks," Filomena recounted, his disbelief turning to distress as he was informed of his termination. "
His legal representative, Josh Friedman, has since detailed the conflicts between Filomena and his supervisors that culminated with the Outsports publication, which Friedman argues was used as a pretext for discrimination.
" The final straw here was the Outsports article," states Friedman's letter, highlighting a stark disconnect between Filomena's experience and the Blackhawks' administrative actions. "
The Blackhawks maintain that the dismissal was justified, citing "multiple ongoing violations of the company's policies, procedures and the employee handbook over a period of six months," which included issues with attendance and insubordination.
"He received multiple written communications outlining expectations including a formal, final written warning prior to his dismissal (and for clarity: all delivered prior to Mr. Filomena introducing the Outsports media opportunity)," the team asserts, countering Filomena's portrayal of the events. "
As the controversy unfolds, both sides are digging in, with the Blackhawks defending their employment practices and Filomena seeking vindication through legal avenues.
The case highlights ongoing challenges within sports organizations in balancing corporate policies with individual rights and expressions of identity.
| POLL | ||
30 JUILLET | 27 ANSWERS Blackhawks in trouble: Discrimination allegations surface after PR director fire Do you think the Blackhawks discriminated? | ||
| Yes | 5 | 18.5 % |
| No | 22 | 81.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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