Fired top exec sues BET

Cable network BET has been sued by former head of original programming Zola Mashariki, who was fired in April while on medical leave for breast cancer.

The federal lawsuit alleging gender discrimination, defamation, violation of the Family Medical Leave Act and more was filed late Wednesday. Also named are Viacom and former BET president of programming Stephen Hill.

“The Company fosters a good old boys’ club atmosphere and mentality that are hostile to women and their advancement,” the complaint alleges. “This misogynistic culture ... begins at the top of the corporate structure.”

Mashariki, formerly with Fox Searchlight Pictures, was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in December and continued to work until February. While on leave, she was diagnosed with a more severe type of breast cancer that required a longer leave, the suit says.

The company “questioned the validity of her diagnosis, prevented members of her team from contacting her and deliberately damaged her reputation,” the suit says.

Mashariki also alleges that she was “denied equal employment opportunities, including pay, development, and promotion, compared to similarly situated male employees,” with Hill specifically called out.

“These claims misrepresent the facts and are without merit,” a Viacom spokesperson said Thursday. “We strongly deny any allegation of wrongdoing and we intend to respond to the specific allegations in the course of legal proceedings.”

Hill, who left BET in March, could not be immediately reached for comment. Mashariki is seeking back pay, lost benefits and other compensation. — Sonaiya Kelley