Former Disneyland Cast Member Sues After Being Terminated For Allegedly Violating the Park’s Cell Phone Policy
A former Disneyland Cast Member is suing the Walt Disney Company, alleging that she was wrongfully terminated in 2023 for violating the park’s cell phone policy.
Jody Hunter-Deno has filed a lawsuit with the Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing Disney of wrongful termination, discrimination, and retaliation.
Photo: Disney
Here is the story.
Hunter-Deno’s Disneyland Career
Hunter-Deno was hired by Disneyland in February 2011 as a Fantasyland Cast Member. Two years earlier, her son had been diagnosed with mental disability.
Photo: Disney
In August 2022, Disney hired Hunter-Deno’s son. In September, she was notified that her son had an aggressive outburst while at work. Subsequently, the plaintiff told her managers that she needed to have her phone turned on so she could respond in case her son had an emergency.
Photo Source: Engadget
According to Hunter-Deno, she was given intermittent family leave to care for her son, and procedures were put in place to allow her to respond quickly to an emergency.
The Incident in Question
In December 2023, however, Fantasyland management asked Hunter-Deno about her phone usage and informed her that the device needed to be turned off. According to the plaintiff, she only used her phone during breaks.
“it’s a small world”
Eventually, Hunter-Deno was suspended and subsequently fired. According to her lawsuit, the manager with whom she had initially discussed her son’s situation later claimed he had no idea what she was talking about. A second manager was responsible for her suspension.
Now, the former Disneyland Cast Member is seeking unspecified damages for loss of income and emotional distress.
Photo: Disney
Disney has not commented on the lawsuit.
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