Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Entertainment Law & FinanceFeaturesEnvironmental LawLitigationLJN Newsletters

<i>Commentary</i><br>Observations on Artistic Director's Suit Against Geffen Playhouse

By Todd R. Wulffson
October 02, 2017

The recent age and disability discrimination lawsuit filed by Randall Arney against the Geffen Playhouse, where he served as artistic director since 1999, seems to raise some serious legal and factual flaws based on just what is alleged in the Los Angeles Superior Court complaint. Arney v. Geffen Playhouse, BC673176.

First, the decision to sue the two playhouse board co-chairs, Pamela Henderson and Martha Robinson, as individuals is questionable. The complaint alleges that they slandered and defamed Arney in February by sending a letter to Geffen board members informing them that Arney's contract (which was expiring by its own terms) would not be renewed in order to “position the theatre for the future.” The letter stated that Arney was involved in the decision-making process, and had voluntarily agreed to transition from his role in order to pursue other professional opportunities. At the same time, the Geffen executive director Gil Cates Jr. released a statement praising Arney's “varied and numerous” contributions to the Geffen, and thanking him for his “inspired artistic leadership, unwavering commitment to our mission, and for leaving his indelible mark on our beloved institution.” Arney made no public statement regarding the February announcement.

This premium content is locked for LJN Newsletters subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
The DOJ's Corporate Enforcement Policy: One Year Later Image

The DOJ's Criminal Division issued three declinations since the issuance of the revised CEP a year ago. Review of these cases gives insight into DOJ's implementation of the new policy in practice.

The DOJ's New Parameters for Evaluating Corporate Compliance Programs Image

The parameters set forth in the DOJ's memorandum have implications not only for the government's evaluation of compliance programs in the context of criminal charging decisions, but also for how defense counsel structure their conference-room advocacy seeking declinations or lesser sanctions in both criminal and civil investigations.

Use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements In White Collar Investigations Image

This article discusses the practical and policy reasons for the use of DPAs and NPAs in white-collar criminal investigations, and considers the NDAA's new reporting provision and its relationship with other efforts to enhance transparency in DOJ decision-making.

Bankruptcy Sales: Finding a Diamond In the Rough Image

There is no efficient market for the sale of bankruptcy assets. Inefficient markets yield a transactional drag, potentially dampening the ability of debtors and trustees to maximize value for creditors. This article identifies ways in which investors may more easily discover bankruptcy asset sales.

Compliance Officers: Recent Regulatory Guidance and Enforcement Actions and Mitigating the Risk of Personal Liability Image

This article explores legal developments over the past year that may impact compliance officer personal liability.