A Georgia federal judge has recommended that the parent company of the Harlem Globetrotters and its media arm remain part of a lawsuit brought by former player Mianna Hopkins, who alleges she was cut from the team after rejecting the romantic advances of its general manager. U.S. Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson denied a motion by Herschend Entertainment Studios LLC (HES) and Herschend Family Entertainment Corp. (HFE) to dismiss the case, despite claims that they weren’t properly named in the initial discrimination charge.

Claims of Workplace Harassment and Retaliation

Hopkins, who performed with the Harlem Globetrotters from 2021 to 2023, alleged in her complaint that the general manager of the team harassed her by expressing romantic interest and inviting her to his hotel room. After she rejected his advances, the general manager allegedly told her she wouldn't succeed without pursuing a relationship with him. In July 2023, her contract was not renewed, and she subsequently filed a Title VII discrimination suit.

Globetrotters Bias Suit : Parent Companies’ Dismissal Motion Denied

HES and HFE argued that Hopkins failed to name them in her charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a procedural step required before filing an employment discrimination lawsuit. The companies contended that since they weren’t named, the claims against them should be dismissed. However, Judge Johnson ruled that the companies had sufficient notice of the charge because of their control over the Globetrotters and their shared registered agent with the basketball team.

Judge's Reasoning on EEOC Charge Requirements

Judge Johnson noted that Title VII procedures are meant to facilitate justice, not hinder it, and that courts tend to liberally interpret the requirement to name all relevant entities in EEOC charges. He pointed out that while Hopkins could have named HES and HFE directly in her EEOC complaint, the companies were still adequately informed through shared corporate resources, including the registered agent who received a copy of the document.

Moreover, the judge stated that the companies did not demonstrate any prejudice from not being named in the EEOC charge, further supporting his recommendation to keep them in the lawsuit. He did leave open the possibility for the companies to move for summary judgment later, if evidence shows they were not joint employers with the Globetrotters.

Globetrotters Bias Suit : Moving Forward

Hopkins' lawsuit alleges harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination, with the case now set to continue against the Globetrotters, HES, and HFE. While the terms of the general manager's alleged harassment and her non-renewed contract are at the center of the dispute, the court will soon determine whether the parent companies share liability as joint employers.

Hopkins is represented by Martin & Martin LLP, while the Globetrotters, HES, and HFE are represented by Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart PC.