The Chicago Blackhawks are facing a lawsuit for wrongfully firing a manager
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Anthony Filomena alleges discrimination in firing by Chicago Blackhawks.
In a tumultuous clash of personal identity and professional decorum, Anthony Filomena, a former PR manager for the Chicago Blackhawks and openly gay, claims his dismissal from the team was influenced by his sexual orientation.
This assertion follows his contribution to Outsports.com, where he expressed his renewed passion for hockey through the team's Pride Nights.
« 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. »
The organization, however, refutes these claims, suggesting that Filomena's termination was based on a breach of protocol rather than discrimination.
« a complete disregard to our policies, procedures, and clearly-documented expectations. ... The Chicago Blackhawks would not terminate an employee because of their sexual orientation, »
conveyed Ben Fromstein, the Blackhawks communications manager, in an official response.The controversy surfaces after Filomena's article was published on April 29, which was almost immediately followed by his firing. Amidst the upheaval, Filomena arranged an interview with Blackhawks executive Danny Wirtz, hoping to showcase the organization's lesser-known initiatives.
« 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 remarked. However, he soon found himself facing the unexpected reality of dismissal.« I sit down and Jerry's like, �Anthony, this is your last day with the Blackhawks,' and I just looked at them and I said, �You guys have got to be kidding me.' And I started crying.»
In defense of their decision, the Blackhawks highlighted that Filomena was on a final warning for various infractions, including attendance issues and insubordination, which they claim had been documented well before the controversial article.
« The final straw here was the Outsports article, »
states a letter from Filomena's attorney, Josh Friedman, asserting that the article triggered the firing. Friedman's correspondence also demands the preservation of all related employment records as he investigates the case further.« While we were appreciative of the opportunity to highlight the organization's support of the LGBTQ+ community, ... the organization was unaware that this interview had been completed until seeing the article had been published on April 29, »
the team explains, asserting that proper protocols were not followed.As the legal battle unfolds, Filomena turns to social media to advocate for his case, while the Blackhawks maintain their stance, emphasizing adherence to company policies over discrimination.
The situation remains fraught with conflicting narratives, as both sides prepare for a potential courtroom showdown that could reveal deeper issues within the organization and its handling of sensitive employee matters.
| POLL | ||
17 JUIN | 63 ANSWERS The Chicago Blackhawks are facing a lawsuit for wrongfully firing a manager Do you think the Blackhawks should be sued over this matter? | ||
| Yes | 15 | 23.8 % |
| No | 48 | 76.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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