Horizon Media Faces Workplace Discrimination, Retaliation Lawsuit

Two executives, current and former, have filed a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against Horizon Media Holdings and Horizon Media (Smith-Wilson v. Horizon Media Holdings LLC), alleging workplace discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment.

Diana Bradley of PR Week writes that the plaintiffs, former Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Equity Officer Latraviette Smith-Wilson, and Vice President of Strategic Communications and Engagement Charisma Deberry, claim senior leadership engaged in conduct that marginalized them, and retaliated when they reacted.

They seek compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief, under federal, state, and local civil rights laws.

According to the complaint, CEO Bill Koenigsberg, President Bob Lord, and EVP of Human Resources Nancy Galanty are accused of perpetuating bias and retaliation.

The details include sexist and racially charged remarks, minimizing or denying bias concerns, and mishandling HR processes.

Smith-Wilson was allegedly terminated without warning under the pretext of a “restructuring” shortly before Horizon named a new chief marketing officer.

Deberry, who remains employed, was allegedly demoted, removed from key events, and stripped of responsibilities after supporting claims of mistreatment of black women leaders.

The filing cites internal communications admitting to deficiencies in investigative and exit interview processes.

The lawsuit also alleges that when the plaintiffs questioned leadership about the company’s Blu platform, they were accused of incompetence.

Horizon has denied the allegations. It issued a statement affirming its commitment to an inclusive workplace and vowed to defend itself vigorously.

This lawsuit demonstrates the legal risks companies face when internal investigations are perceived as perfunctory. Barring a settlement, it will highlight the evidentiary challenges in proving retaliation and the interplay of federal and state anti-discrimination statutes in complex workplace disputes.