In a courtroom that has become the stage for one of Hollywood’s most scrutinized labor battles, a California judge on Monday granted final approval to Disney’s $43.25 million settlement resolving claims that the entertainment giant systematically underpaid thousands of women.
A Six-Year Fight for Equity
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elihu M. Berle read the approval order aloud at a morning hearing, marking the end of a 2019 lawsuit accusing Disney of sidelining women in pay, promotions, and workload while favoring male counterparts.
The certified class ballooned to 15,241 female midlevel managers, each of whom claimed the company’s compensation structure left them earning less for substantially similar work.
“We’re thrilled that Judge Berle granted final approval,” said Lori Andrus of Andrus Anderson LLP, lead counsel for the class. “My clients, whom I’ve been proud to represent for six years, are very pleased that Disney agreed to compromise. It’s a great result.”
Disney and its legal team did not immediately comment.
