Nexstar Wins Discrimination Lawsuit
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FTVLive has been reporting on the age and gender discrimination suit brought against Nexstar and WHO (Des Monies) by former Anchor Sonya Heitshusen.
The trial started last week, and in closing arguments, Heitshusen's attorney asked jurors to award her more than $1.5 million in damages, including $92,863 in back pay, $800,000 for emotional distress, and $650,000 in future emotional damages.
Dempsey accused the station of terminating the longtime anchor because it wanted younger, prettier talent in front of the cameras.
The jury came back, siding with WHO and Nexstar. Nexstar attorney Chris Hoyme said that Heitshusen was all about the money. "This case is about dollars and cents. You’ve heard testimony from various witnesses, including Bobby Totsch, that he selected Ms. Heitshusen for the reduction in force because she made a lot of money, $120,000, and her role was redundant," Hoyme said. "... By making that selection, he was able to keep several other employees. That’s it. It’s not a Hollywood story, it’s not a courtroom drama, it might be kind of boring, but that’s what happened."
After the court loss, Heitshusen said, "I was not the first and will not be the last woman to suffer this fate, but I am not giving up," she said. "I will continue to support my colleagues and other women who face the same age and gender discrimination. The fight is not over."
