UPDATE (3/21/2019):
A lawsuit filed last year alleging gender/workplace discrimination at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has reportedly been settled.
Photo contributed to Orlando Sentinel
What’s happening:
- The Orlando Sentinel has reported that a former Disney Cast Member who sued the company last year on the basis of gender discrimination has settled her lawsuit.
- The Sentinel says that court documents show Krista Crowder, a former Festival of the Lion King acrobat, dismissed her lawsuit against Disney on March 1. Details of the settlement amount have not been revealed.
Previously (7/2018):
A former Disney Cast Member who performed in Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Festival of the Lion King show is suing Disney, alleging that the company fired her due to her pregnancy.
- As the Orlando Sentinel reports, Krista Crowder has filed a suit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Disney Worldwide Services for discrimination.
- Crowder, who was a ballerina in the show, says she went on leave in November 2015 after become pregnant with twins, giving birth in June of 2016.
- She says she later received a letter of termination on June 20th of that year and was asked to audition for her role.
- According to the lawsuit, “The audition requirement was against Disney Parks protocol which should have only required a costume fit and a rehearsal.”
- In October 2016, Crowder auditioned after losing the 60 pounds she gained during pregnancy but says she was told she was no longer needed.
- A Disney spokesperson told the Sentinel, “We have a longstanding policy against workplace discrimination and we will respond to the allegations as appropriate in court.”
- Crowder now sings at the Universal Orlando Resort.
Photo contributed to Orlando Sentinel