British Pakistani journalist Saima Mohsin is suing US-based news giant CNN for wrongful dismissal and alleged racial discrimination following a serious injury after her cameraman ran over her foot with a car during an assignment in Israel.
According to the Guardian, she suffered severe tissue damage that has left her unable to sit, stand and walk, affecting her ability to work full-time. She requested a switch to a presenting role to minimize her travel. She also wanted support for her physical rehabilitation.
Instead of granting her request for alternative duties during her recovery, the suit alleges that was told “you don’t have the look we are looking for,” and she received no support for rehabilitation. Three years later, they ended her contract.
Her claim also alleges race and disability discrimination at CNN, and a gender pay gap. She complained of a bias towards putting White presenters on air, even while herself and other nonwhite reporters were on-the-ground, ready to report.
CNN has declined to comment on the allegations, which come at a difficult time for the company’s image. Just over a year ago, CNN President Jeff Zucker was forced out after news surfaced about a relationship with a colleague. Christ Licht, Zucker’s replacement, lasted less than a year before being sacked. Two years ago, their anchor Chris Cuomo was terminated due to allegations of sexual misconduct.
According to Mohsin, her allegations “[…] should cause concern for all foreign correspondents who travel around the world – and take risks to do their journalism in the belief their employer will take care of them.”
She also raised concern over the discriminatory nature of her treatment at CNN, telling the Guardian “I am bringing my claim to take a stand and call for change to ensure women journalists, and women journalists of color, are better protected.”
CNN says it has roughly 4000 employees worldwide, of which an estimated 45.6% are people of color and 48% are women.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
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