NFL Films, the NFL’s film and television production company, is being sued by one of its former employees for alleging videos featuring cheerleaders are offensive to women.
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As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Victoria Russell filed a lawsuit in January for believing images used in certain shows are too risqué and labeling them “sexualized.” The former recruiter, who was fired last year, believes the NFL used footage that highlights “cheerleaders’ buttocks and chests” while showing a fan’s bikini top.
Ms. Russell therefore criticizes NFL Films for suggestive footage and recalls that the responsible executives found the content in question sensitive; the whole thing would be too controversial to be broadcast again.
In addition, Plaintiff alleges “that a problem of discrimination and misconduct against women, particularly those of color, persists within NFL neighborhoods”; The former employee is black and added that despite her excellent performance, she has not been able to take advantage of any opportunities for advancement or a significant raise.
Eventually, Ms. Russell was entitled to a raise of $1.18 an hour. She also claims not to have benefited from a steady job, “a privilege afforded to virtually every white and male worker.” After reporting the situation, she was fired, she says.
The NFL strikes back
For its part, the league mentioned to the New York Post that NFL Films’ databases contain sequences shot by its cinematographers, freelancers and broadcasters. “These will inevitably contain images of fans, cheerleaders and even players that may not be suitable for inclusion in content produced by NFL Films,” a spokesman said.
“Ms. Russell had no access to the internal system and her responsibilities did not relate to it,” he added.