$43.25M Disney gender discrimination class action settlement

The Walt Disney Co. agreed to a $43.25 million class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims it violated California’s Equal Pay Act by paying women less than men for similar work.

The Disney settlement benefits women who worked in a “covered position” for Disney in California between April 1, 2015, and Dec. 28, 2024.

Covered positions are salaried, full-time, non-union positions below the level of vice president with a job level of B1-B4, T1-T4, TL, P1-P6, P2L-P5L, M1-M3, A1-5, E0, E1 or E1X. The settlement does not include individuals working in Hulu, ESPN, Pixar, 21st Century (Fox), FX, National Geographic, Bamtech or ILM; employees in the HR compensation job family; in-house employment counsel; or any paralegals and legal assistants involved in assisting with the case.

The class action lawsuit alleged Disney systematically paid women less than men for similar work. This Disney gender discrimination allegedly violated California’s Equal Pay Act.

The Walt Disney Co. is a global entertainment company that operates theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, television networks and more.

Disney has not admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $43.25 million to resolve the equal pay allegations.

Under the terms of the Disney settlement, class members can receive a cash payment. Class members are guaranteed to receive at least $200. Exact payment amounts may be higher and will vary depending on the number of participating class members and other factors.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Aug. 16, 2025.

The final approval hearing for the Disney gender discrimination settlement is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2025.

No claim form is required to benefit from the settlement. Class members who do not exclude themselves will automatically receive a settlement payment. Class members who wish to update their address on file with the settlement administrator can do so on the settlement website.

Who’s Eligible

Women who worked in a “covered position” for The Walt Disney Co., ABC, Disneyland Resort, Disney Television Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Disney Television Animation, Disney Music Publishing, Disney Publishing Worldwide, Disney Theatrical Productions, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Searchlight Pictures or 20th Century Studios in California between April 1, 2015, and Dec. 28, 2024.

A covered position is any salaried, full-time, non-union position below the level of vice president, with a job level of B1-B4, T1-T4, TL, P1-P6, P2L-P5L, M1-M3, A1-5, E0, E1 or E1X.

Potential Award

$200+

Proof of Purchase

N/A

Claim Form Deadline

09/15/2025

Case Name

Rasmussen, et al. v. The Walt Disney Co., et al., Case No. 19STCV10974, in the California Superior Court for Los Angeles County

Final Hearing

09/15/2025

Settlement Website

RasmussenvTWDCSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Rasmussen v. The Walt Disney Co.
c/o CPT Group Inc.
50 Corporate Park
Irvine, CA 92606
[email protected]
888-801-2208

Class Counsel

Lori Andrus
ANDRUS ANDERSON LLP

Christine Webbe
COHEN MILSTEIN SELLERS & TOLL PLLC

James Kan
GOLDSTEIN BORGEN DARDARIAN & HO

Defense Counsel

Felicia Davis
PAUL HASTINGS LLP