A former editor for “PBS NewsHour” filed a lawsuit Thursday, saying that he was wrongfully fired due to his gender after he made an “innocuous” remark about Meghan Markle.
According to the suit, filed by Hugh Heckman in federal court in New York, he came aboardas a writer/editor for “PBS NewsHour Weekend,” which is produced by WNET in New York, in 2015, and “performed his job duties well and received numerous compliments and accolades from managers and co-workers.”
Despite that, Heckman says, he was shown the door in November 2017, shortly after commenting on a photo of Markle.
” On November 25, 2017, Plaintiff was at work on a story in his capacity as News Writer regarding the Royal Family of Britain, specifically His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, Duke of Sussex, and his then-fiancee, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (née Meghan Markle) (the ‘Duchess’),” the suit reads. “Plaintiff was viewing a picture of the Duchess with another male employee. Plaintiff said ‘not bad’ to this co-worker in a low tone of voice.”
The suit, which names PBS Newshour Productions LLC, WNET and APC Workforce Solutions II LLC as defendants, contends that Heckman “intended to convey that the Duchess possessed charm and beauty and was a suitable match for her fiance, who has a reputation of possessing charm and handsome looks.
Nonetheless, the suit says, a female employee sitting at her desk approximately 20 feet away, “heard this remark and criticized Plaintiff, stating that he had acted in contravention to the training that all employees had recently attended regarding sexual harassment in the workplace.”
According to the suit, a second co-worker also chastised Heckman, asking, “haven’t you learned?”
“Plaintiff was embarrassed and upset by this criticism of his innocently intended comment, and immediately explained that he had not intended any sexually harassing remark,” the suit reads.
A spokesperson for “NewsHour” did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the suit, which alleges termination because of sex and seeks unspecified damages.
Two days after the “not bad” comment, the suit says, an executive producer told Heckman that he was “regretfully” letting him go, citing “‘this latest incident,’ which referred to the Plaintiff’s remark set forth above.”
Heckman’s suit suggests that a double-standard was at play, saying that he complained that the two female employees who chastised him once made a similar remark — specifically, he said, they deemed Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau to be “hot” after looking at an image of him.
“Defendants violated their progressive discipline policies by jumping to the ‘nuclear option’ of termination for an innocuous remark because of Plaintiff’s sex,” the suit contends.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.
The Evolution of Meghan Markle, From 'Suits' Star to Real-Life Princess (Photos)
Meghan Markle, who turned 39 on Aug. 4, was an actress before marrying Prince Harry and becoming the Duchess of Sussex. Earlier this year, the couple stepped back from their royal duties and are now seeking to become "financially independent." Does that mean we could we see Markle back on the small screen? Check out her previous roles.
"A Lot Like Love" (2005)
Markle literally played a "hot girl" in this romantic comedy starring Ashton Kutcher. Markle was seated next to Kutcher's character on a plane. And that was pretty much it.
"CSI: NY" (2006)
Before Meghan landed a series regular role, she had a small bit in this crime procedural, playing a maid who cleaned up for businessmen while dressed in lingerie. Spoiler alert: She didn't commit the murder.
CBS
"Remember Me" (2010)
One of Markle's first roles was a small part in this romantic drama starring Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin.
Markle met her first husband, Trevor Engelson, when he was a producer on "Remember Me." The two divorced in 2013 after two years of marriage.
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"Suits" (2011 - 2018): Meghan starred on this USA legal drama from its premiere as Rachel Zane, a paralegal who eventually goes to law school herself.
USA
"Horrible Bosses" (2011)
Markle had a teeny, tiny bit in this raunchy comedy, but managed to steal a scene with Jason Sudeikis, who told her she was far too cute to be a FedEx girl. "You’ve got to be an actress or a model or something," he said. Try royalty, Sudeikis.
New Line
"Castle" (2012)
Markle actually played a princess once. Well, kinda. The actress starred in an episode of this ABC drama as Sleeping Beauty, or a woman who is dressed up like her before she is almost murdered. Markle turned out to be the one who hatched the entire scheme and was killing off her friends.
ABC
"Dater’s Handbook" (2016)
Yes, Markle has even done a Hallmark channel movie. She played Cass, a successful businesswoman who had some trouble finding love. But don't worry, she did after using a dating manual, and then throwing it out entirely. Soon after wrapping this made-for-TV movie, Markle truly found love with Harry.
Hallmark
Markle told Vanity Fair that she met Prince Harry in July 2016 -- and the two first made an official joint public appearance at the Invictus Games in September 2017 in Toronto, a multi-sport event launched by Harry for wounded, injured and sick military servicepeople to compete.
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In November 2017, Harry and Meghan announced their engagement.
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On May 19, 2018, Markle and Prince Harry wed in a star-studded ceremony at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. She holds the title Duchess of Sussex as well as Princess Henry of Wales (Henry is Harry's real name).
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In May 2019, Markle took on a new role: mom. The Duchess welcomed son Archie on May 9.
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In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess announced they would be stepping back from their royal duties and splitting time in North America. The also plan on launching a new charitable endeavor.
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Markle was reported to have signed a voiceover deal with Disney in January, which was later confirmed when Disney+ announced that the Duchess would narrate a nature film called "Elephant" for the nascent streaming service. The documentary debuted on April 3, 2020.
Disneynature
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Markle has played everything from a ”naughty“ maid on CSI to a whip-smart paralegal
Meghan Markle, who turned 39 on Aug. 4, was an actress before marrying Prince Harry and becoming the Duchess of Sussex. Earlier this year, the couple stepped back from their royal duties and are now seeking to become "financially independent." Does that mean we could we see Markle back on the small screen? Check out her previous roles.