Latest news with #Sinclair
The Independent
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Ex-Netflix employee sues streaming giant claiming she was fired after filing discrimination complaints
A former labor relations lawyer at Netflix has sued the streaming giant and two executives, claiming they discriminated against her and other employees and retaliated against her after she filed harassment complaints, leading to her wrongful termination. Nhu-Y Phan, who worked at Netflix from May 2021 until her termination in September 2024, states that she and others experienced a hostile work environment while working under senior labor relations lawyer Ted Sinclair and Director of Labor Relations Jonah Cozien. In her lawsuit, Phan, who is Asian American, alleges she and colleagues who are women of color experienced gender and racial discrimination under Sinclair by being consistently passed over for opportunities they were qualified for and left out of meetings. Phan also alleges that Cozien sexually harassed her colleague, according to the lawsuit obtained by KTLA. After Phan filed complaints against Sinclair and Cozien, she alleges the two retaliated against her by writing unusual negative performance reports, which ultimately led to her termination. A spokesperson for Netflix said in a statement, 'These claims lack merit and we intend to defend this matter vigorously.' The Independent has reached out to Sinclair and Cozien for comment. 'Ms. Phan has been devastated both economically and emotionally by her wrongful discharge,' attorneys for Phan wrote in the complaint, filed in the California Superior Court in Los Angeles on July 21. 'Once a highly compensated professional with a sterling reputation, Ms. Phan faces an uphill battle finding comparable employment. The stress and humiliation of her termination, loss of income, and damaged reputation have been profound,' the complaint says. In her lawsuit, Phan says there was a clear change in the way she was treated after she filed the discrimination and sexual harassment complaints against her supervisors. The lawsuit states that Phan was well-paid and received glowing reviews. In her first few months working at the streaming giant, she received a $50k raise and was the lead labor relations person on multiple projects. In her role, Phan became the go-to person for production and business affairs when people were seeking labor advice, such as payment for directors, performers, and below-the-line crew. However, Phan says Sinclair, her then supervisor, began excluding Phan and other women of color from professional opportunities and giving those to other white employees who were less qualified. Phan alleges that at one point, Sinclair excluded her from negotiations between Netflix and the Directors Guild of America, despite Phan having previously worked under multiple executives at the DGA. In her lawsuit, Phan says she raised at least eight verbal or written complaints about Sinclair. Eventually, she moved under Cozien's supervision. But Phan states she later reported Cozien for allegedly sexually harassing her female colleague, after the colleague informed Phan that Cozien had been making her 'uncomfortable' by consistently asking her to get lunch, dinner, and after-work drinks – sometimes outside of work hours, such as when Cozien was on vacation with his family. Phan alleged Cozien then became 'hostile' toward her and revoked opportunities. Her lawsuit states that Cozien 'conspired' with Sinclair to have her fired, in part by writing a critical performance report. Phan is requesting a jury trial and asking for an unknown amount in damages from Netflix, Sinclair, Cozien, and other unnamed Netflix employees. 'Netflix is a corporate bully that will do anything to avoid responsibility for its actions,' said Brian Olney, an attorney at Hadsell, Stormer, Renick, and Dai LLP representing Phan, in a statement obtained by KTLA. The Independent has reached out to HSRD LLP for comment. The law firm told KTLA that 'Netflix repeatedly tried to silence Ms. Phan, first by firing her and then by suing her' by filing a lawsuit against her to compel arbitration. 'Nhu Phan had the courage to blow the whistle about Netflix executives who are discriminating against women of color and sexually harassing a female employee,' Olney said.
Los Angeles Times
4 hours ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Former Netflix employee sues over wrongful termination, alleges discrimination and retaliation
A former labor relations employee at Netflix is suing the company, claiming she was wrongfully terminated after raising concerns over her superiors' discrimination against women of color and allegations of sexual harassment. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that the employee's managers broke laws and policies that protect employees from race- and gender-based discrimination, and from retaliation for reporting alleged discrimination or harassment. Nhu-Y Phan was hired at Netflix as legal counsel in labor relations in May 2021. She was fired due to 'unspecified performance issues' in September 2024, her lawsuit said. According to the complaint, Phan had never been subject to any discipline and had received overwhelmingly positive performance reviews and feedback throughout her time at the company. She is seeking punitive damages, emotional distress damages, past and future lost income and other forms of relief, as well as a jury trial. A Netflix spokesperson said in a brief statement the claims outlined in the suit 'lack merit and we intend to defend this matter vigorously.' For the first year of her Netflix career, Phan was supervised by Ted Sinclair, who is named as a defendant in the suit. Phan alleges that Sinclair repeatedly excluded her and other women of color on her team from professional opportunities that he offered to white colleagues, and that he 'encouraged a white employee' to take credit for her work. Phan made multiple verbal and written complaints about this unequal treatment, including through meetings with both the human resources department and with Sinclair directly, but was still denied opportunities, the lawsuit said. She asked to be removed from Sinclair's direct supervision in the summer of 2022. Later, a female colleague confided in Phan, alleging that her new supervior, Jonah Cozien, was sexually harassing her, the complaint said. Cozien is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Phan reported the behavior to human resources, and after doing so, Cozien became 'frequently hostile' toward her, limiting her professional opportunities and giving her critical feedback despite never having provided feedback before she made the report, according to the suit. Sinclair and Cozien did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and their lawyers could not be identified. After Phan was fired, her lawyers say Netflix filed a lawsuit against her to compel arbitration. Brian Olney, one of the attorneys from Pasadena-based Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai who is representing Phan, said forcing her into arbitration proceedings is a violation of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, which became law in 2022. Because records in arbitration are protected, employers that have arbitration clauses in their employment contracts can avoid public attention on cases involving sexual harassment and assault. The House Judiciary Committee said passing the law would bring justice to victims who were 'locked out of the court system and are forced to settle their disputes against companies in a private system of arbitration that often favors the company over the individual.' 'Netflix fired Nhu Phan and tried to force her into secretive arbitration proceedings to silence her voice,' Olney said in a statement. 'With her lawsuit, she is standing up to this corporate bully and their outrageous and despicable conduct.'
Daily Record
11 hours ago
- Daily Record
Boozed-up Neilston man fined for racial remark to neighbour after row
Gordon Sinclair had been drinking when he made the racial slur to a neighbour A Neilston man who made a racial slur towards a neighbour has been fined. Boozed-up Gordon Sinclair uttered the remark on June 8, after an ongoing dispute. Sinclair, 39, of Craig Road, claimed he had been subject to verbal abuse by a group of neighbours – including the woman he made the remark to earlier that day. Procurator fiscal depute Karen Yuill told Paisley Sheriff Court: 'Around 10.30pm, the witnesses were within a property on Craig Road and were aware of the accused outside and could hear him shouting, 'going to see your j****e neighbour'. 'The witness looked out and saw the accused walking past, then heard their front door, and the accused began to shout and swear. He was observed to puff out his chest which made the witness fearful. 'The accused continued to shout and swear until a female family member came and ushered him back to his address.' The court heard how the victim then had to go out to the street to move her car. At this point, Sinclair went out to his garden and shouted: 'Get to f**k you p**i b*****d.' The court heard the woman was 'very distressed' by this and told Sinclair he was being racist before turning round and going back inside and calling the police. Ms Yuill added: 'Officers attended and traced the accused at his home where he was arrested and taken to Helen Street police office. He was later released when sober on an undertaking to appear at this court.' Defence agent Terry Gallanagh told the town's court this crime was 'born out of a combination of the conduct of the witnesses and alcohol'. He explained: 'In essence, Mr Sinclair and other neighbours have had to put up with a full programme of antisocial behaviour. 'So much so, there is a neighbourhood petition raised to have those people removed. There has been issues with tyres being slashed, cars being keyed and bins being tipped over.' Mr Gallanagh told the court the transport haulage company manager had 'too much to drink' that afternoon and into the evening, adding: 'Earlier that day, he had met the witnesses and he was subject to verbal abuse. 'He then went back out to walk the dog, saw them and, full of Dutch courage, he acted in a manner which he is deeply remorseful of.' Passing sentence, Sheriff Sheena Fraser slammed: 'Whatever the behaviour of others, your behaviour that day was unacceptable and you clearly understand that and have accepted that at an early stage.' Sinclair was fined £250 and ordered to pay this within 28 days.
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Carefully curated
A new series of books from publisher McClelland & Stewart that contemplates life in Canada coincides with the 10th anniversary of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Published on July 15, Kanata Classics' first six titles, which are all previously released works of fiction and non-fiction, feature writing by a range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadian authors and feature new packaging and introductions. The initiative was spearheaded by publisher Stephanie Sinclair, who joined McClelland & Stewart (which is owned by Penguin Random House) in 2022. 'We started to talk about it within six months of my starting … the first conversations were enthusiastic,' she says. 'It felt really important to get it done in 2025 to honour the 10th anniversary of the TRC.' Nishga by Jordan Abel, Halfbreed by Maria Campbell, and Bear by Marian Engel are part of the Kanata Classics lineup. Sinclair worked with Robert Wheaton, Penguin Random House Canada's chief strategy and operations officer, to navigate the bureaucratic details and create an advisory board (which includes McNally Robinson Booksellers co-owner Chris Hall and Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair). 'I could ask them the big questions — not about title selections, but about the framing of the series,' she says. 'It felt really helpful to have this brain trust that I could go to for advice.' Publisher Stephanie Sinclair tapped an advisory panel including McNally Robinson Booksellers co-owner Chris Hall and Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair to curate the first six titles of the Kanata Classics series. One of her first choices was Nisga'a author Jordan Abel's Nishga. (Supplied photo) For Stephanie Sinclair, who identifies as Cree, Ojibwa, and German/Jewish, the first six books — three by Indigenous writers and the other three by non-Indigenous authors — speak to the experience of Canadian life. 'One of the things that was really important to me, as an urban Indigenous person who didn't grow up in ceremony or in community, was that the books speak to all of our relationship with land, and how differently that can be experienced,' she says. 'That's one of the threads through all the books. It's something that is so often overlooked, and that is really, deeply important to our survival on multiple levels.' With the titles selected, Sinclair then turned to finding writers to pen introductions to each of the books (save Maria Campbell's memoir Halfbreed — Campbell wrote her own introduction). 'I had a list of ideal people — I wrote to them, and everyone very enthusiastically and quickly said yes. It was beautiful … it just came together incredibly seamlessly,' she says. (Winnipeg's David A. Robertson wrote the introduction to Richard Wagamese's novel Medicine Walk.) Sinclair then enlisted book designer Kelly Hill to create the look and feel of the Kanata Classics series. 'Kelly really understood my vision for it, and has such an incredibly beautiful esthetic and brought such thoughtful care to all of the choices,' Sinclair says. Edmonton-based author Jordan Abel considers it an honour to have his book, Nishga, included in the Kanata Classics series. (Tenille Campbell photo) One of Sinclair's first choices for the Kanata Classics series was Nisga'a author Jordan Abel's Nishga. Originally published in 2021 by McClelland & Stewart, Nishga sees the Edmonton-based author grappling with the legacy of intergenerational trauma through fragments of memoir, transcriptions of talks as well as visual art and photography. 'I have a difficult relationship with this book — it's about intergenerational trauma and urban indigeneity and the afterlife of residential schools,' Abel says.' When I go to readings and perform parts of the book, there are only four or five pages that I can really even read from.' For Abel, the inclusion of Nishga in the Kanata Classics series was humbling. 'When I wrote Nishga, I had no real understanding of where it would go, or who would pick it up, or if anyone would pick it up, really,' he says. 'It's really an incredible honour for Nishga to be included alongside what I think are some of the best, most canonical texts in Canadian literature and also Indigenous literature,' he adds, calling Maria Campbell's Halfbreed 'maybe the most important book that I've ever read.' Island by Alistair MacLeod, Ru by Kim Thúy, and Medicine Walk, by Richard Wagamese were all previously released works of fiction and non-fiction. As part of Kanata Classics, the books will feature new packaging and introductions. Like Sinclair, Abel sees the books existing in conversation with each other as well as with Canadian readers about the experience of life in Canada. 'The books are all very different — they speak to really specific experiences within this nation … even the ones that resist that category of nation and Canadian nationalism,' he says. 'They attempt to shine a light on certain kinds of experiences that we don't always talk about, or that we don't talk about enough. I think these are underrepresented kinds of experiences of 'Canadian-ness.'' Sinclair hopes the Kanata Classics series is able to continue stimulating conversation and reflections by readers on life in Canada. 'I feel like the scope of how Canadians identify themselves has only gotten smaller over many years,' she says. 'Part of my aim with the series is, of course, to advocate for Indigenous storytelling, which has not been welcomed into the Canadian 'canon.' But I also want to make sure that books like (Vietnamese-Canadian author Kim Thúy's) Ru are there too, because they all speak to an equally important human experience.' Ben SigurdsonLiterary editor, drinks writer Ben Sigurdson is the Free Press's literary editor and drinks writer. He graduated with a master of arts degree in English from the University of Manitoba in 2005, the same year he began writing Uncorked, the weekly Free Press drinks column. He joined the Free Press full time in 2013 as a copy editor before being appointed literary editor in 2014. Read more about Ben. In addition to providing opinions and analysis on wine and drinks, Ben oversees a team of freelance book reviewers and produces content for the arts and life section, all of which is reviewed by the Free Press's editing team before being posted online or published in print. It's part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Hype Malaysia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
12 Must-Watch Shows & Movies On Prime Video This August For Fans Of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'
As fans finally return to Cousins Beach with the premiere of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 3, Prime Video has curated the ultimate Prime Video watchlist to fill that summer-shaped hole each week while waiting for the latest episode to drop. With 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' rolling out weekly until September's finale, Prime Video's special collection features forbidden romances, summer escapes, and coming-of-age stories to satisfy your cravings between visits to the beach house. From steamy summer flings to heartfelt first loves, these handpicked titles will keep the romance alive while you count down the days to your next ''The Summer I Turned Pretty'' fix. All titles are available now on Prime Video. 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 3 is available exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide. For Those Who Want Secrets & Plot Twists Motorheads Motorheads is about first love, first heartbreak, and turning the key in your first car. Set in a once-thriving rust-belt town that's now searching for a glimmer of hope, the series is an adrenaline-filled story of a group of outsiders who form an unlikely friendship over a mutual love of street racing, while navigating the hierarchy and rules of high school. We Were Liars One year after a mysterious accident left her with amnesia, 17-year-old Cadence returns to Beechwood, an island off Martha's Vineyard, seeking answers. As three generations of the distinguished Sinclair family gather at their private summer utopia, no one will talk about the accident – neither her childhood friends 'The Liars' nor her first love Gat, forcing her to uncover the truth herself. Another Simple Favor Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) reunite on the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily's extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square. For Those Who Love On-Campus Romance Overcompensating College-set ensemble comedy about the chaotic journey of Benny (Skinner), a closeted former football player and homecoming king, as he becomes fast friends with Carmen, an outsider on a mission to fit in at all costs. Deeply funny and personal, the show explores the lengths to which we all overcompensate while finding out who we really are. Cruel Intentions Cruel Intentions follows the elite students of Manchester College, where ruthless step-siblings, Caroline and Lucien, will do anything to stay on top of the cutthroat social hierarchy. After a brutal hazing incident threatens all of Greek Life, they'll do whatever is necessary to preserve their power and reputation, even if that means seducing the daughter of the Vice President. Maxton Hall When Ruby unwillingly witnesses an explosive secret at Maxton Hall PrivateSchool, arrogant millionaire heir James Beaufort is forced to confront the quick-witted scholarship student, much to his chagrin: He is determined to silence Ruby. Their passionate exchange of blows surprisingly ignites a spark… Looking For A 'Will They Won't They'? Picture This Single and without a man on the horizon, Pia runs a failing photography studio in London with her best friend Jay. As her sister Sonal prepares for marriage and her mother Laxmi urges her to partner up, a spiritual guru predicts Pia will meet the love of her life among her next five dates. With her family intervening, Pia embarks on a hilarious yet heartfelt quest for love. The Idea Of You Based on the acclaimed, contemporary love story of the same name, The Idea of You centers on Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. My Fault: London 18-year-old Noah moves from America to London, with her mother who's recently fallen in love with William, a wealthy British businessman. Noah meets William's son, bad-boy Nick, and soon discovers there is an attraction between them neither can avoid. As Noah spends the summer adjusting to her new life, her devastating past will catch up with her while falling in love for the first time. Culpa Mía Noah must leave her town, boyfriend and friends to move into her mom's new husband's mansion. There, she meets her new stepbrother Nick and their personalities clash from the very beginning. But the attraction they feel will lead them to live a forbidden relationship, where their rebellious and tormented tempers will turn their worlds upside down, making them fall madly in love. Culpa Tuya Sequel to the global hit My Fault; the love between Noah and Nick seems unwavering despite their parents' attempts to separate them. But his job and her entry into college open up their lives to new relationships that will shake the foundations of both their relationship and the Leister family itself. When so many people are ready to destroy a relationship, can it really end well? Love A Book-To-Screen Adaptation? Daisy Jones & The Six In 1977, Daisy Jones & The Six were on top of the world. Fronted by two heat seeking missiles in Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne, the band had risen from obscurity to fame. And then, after a sold-out show at Chicago's Soldier Field, they called it quits. Now, decades later, the band members finally agree to reveal the truth. This is the story of how an iconic band imploded at the height of its powers.
