CBS has reached a confidential settlement in a federal discrimination lawsuit filed by Brian Beneker, a former script coordinator on the network’s drama SEAL Team, who alleged that he was repeatedly passed over for promotions because he is a white, heterosexual male.
The lawsuit, filed in early 2024 and supported by the legal advocacy group America First Legal (AFL), accused CBS and its parent company, Paramount Global, of violating federal civil rights laws through hiring practices that prioritized race, gender, and sexual orientation over merit. Beneker, who had worked on SEAL Team since 2017 and had written freelance episodes across several seasons, claimed that he was denied a promotion to a staff writer position due to his failure to meet the network’s diversity criteria.
In the lawsuit, Beneker stated that he was informed by the show runner that he did not “check any diversity boxes.” This comment was allegedly linked to CBS’s public commitments during that period. In 2020, then-CEO George Cheeks announced that the network aimed for 40% of all writers’ rooms on primetime series to be staffed with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) writers by the 2021-22 season, with an additional goal that half of all writers would be nonwhite by the 2022-23 season.
While CBS did not admit to any wrongdoing, the company agreed to settle the lawsuit this month to avoid prolonged litigation. The specific terms of the settlement remain confidential. Following the agreement, Beneker voluntarily dismissed the case.
Nick Barry, Senior Counsel for America First Legal, issued a statement regarding the settlement, noting that Paramount Global and CBS Studios had reached an agreement and emphasizing the broader implications. Barry stated that diversity quotas that discriminate on the basis of race are unlawful and suggested that others in the entertainment industry should observe the outcome of the case.
The resolution of the lawsuit comes at a time when Paramount is seeking regulatory approval for a merger with Skydance Media. Concurrently, federal agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission are reportedly reassessing demographic-based hiring policies within the media sector, contributing to wider industry discussions about legal compliance and fairness.
JUST IN: CBS Quietly Settles Anti-White Discrimination Lawsuit
Writer Brian Beneker says he was passed over for a permanent position on the TV show “SEAL Team” because he’s a white male and accused CBS of checking off demographic boxes instead of hiring the best talent.
CBS… pic.twitter.com/63F0QCxB7L
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 23, 2025
In response to the increasing legal and public scrutiny, Paramount Global has reportedly made changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The company has moved to eliminate race-based hiring quotas, stopped collecting demographic data on job applicants, and removed financial incentives tied to achieving DEI-related targets.
During his time on SEAL Team, Beneker alleged that he observed CBS hiring at least six staff writers who lacked prior screenwriting credits. He asserted that these individuals were selected based on diversity considerations rather than professional qualifications. According to the lawsuit, despite his own writing experience and longstanding work with the show, Beneker was told staffing positions were full, only to later see those roles filled by candidates who he believed were chosen for diversity reasons.
The settlement follows another significant event for CBS, as Bill Owens, the executive producer of 60 Minutes, resigned two days prior, citing concerns over a loss of journalistic independence. The network is also currently facing a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump, further adding to the legal challenges confronting CBS and its parent company.
’60 Minutes’ Producer Bill Owens Resigns Amid Trump’s $20 Billion CBS Lawsuit
The liberal tears are flowing as longtime ’60 Minutes’ producer Bill Owens has resigned. Good riddance! CBS is currently facing an FCC investigation and $20 billion lawsuit from President Trump over… pic.twitter.com/bTXBlL0pOC
— John Fredericks (@jfradioshow) April 23, 2025
At this time, CBS and Paramount Global have not issued additional public statements regarding the settlement with Beneker. America First Legal indicated that the case represents a broader challenge to DEI policies across the entertainment industry.
Paramount, CBS settle discrimination lawsuit over DEI policies punishing straight white males https://t.co/npdYibARrK pic.twitter.com/ivqSTsiYCW
— New York Post (@nypost) April 24, 2025
