A legal battle initiated by a former CBS writer has prompted significant changes at CBS Studios and its parent company, Paramount Global.
The lawsuit, which scrutinized the application of diversity initiatives within the companies, has led to a reevaluation of their hiring practices.
Brian Beneker, a former freelancer for the show "SEAL Team," filed the lawsuit in February 2024. Beneker contended that he was denied a staff writer position due to being a heterosexual white male. Despite contributing to "SEAL Team" since 2017, he claimed he was repeatedly overlooked for staff roles in favor of individuals who were non-white, LGBTQ+, or female, even though they had fewer screenwriting credits and less experience.
As reported by Straight Arrow News, CBS had previously committed to a diversity pledge in 2020, aiming for 50% of cast members in its reality shows for the 202122 season to be "Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC)." America First Legal, representing Beneker, highlighted that a similar 50% quota was established for writers' rooms by the 202223 season. Beneker argued that such policies contravened employment laws. CBS attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed, citing First Amendment protections for its hiring decisions. However, the court rejected this motion, suggesting the issues warranted further examination through a motion for summary judgment.
By April 2025, a settlement was reached between the parties. Paramount and CBS agreed to discontinue certain Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices. America First Legal noted that Paramount had already informed employees in February 2025 about the phasing out of its DEI policies, as revealed in a memo obtained by CNBC.
Nick Barry, senior counsel for America First Legal, expressed approval of the settlement, stating, "America First Legal is pleased to see Paramount and CBS publicly back off their DEI requirements and return to merit-based considerations. Diversity quotas that discriminate on the basis of race are unlawful. Others in the entertainment industry should take note."
While the specific terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, America First Legal confirmed that Beneker voluntarily dismissed his claims following the resolution. Neither CBS nor Paramount has issued public statements regarding the settlement.
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