In a recent legal development, a judge has ruled in favor of Fox News, effectively dismissing a lawsuit filed by a former journalist who claimed wrongful termination and alleged violations of sick leave laws. These allegations were made by Jason Donner, a reporter who was dismissed from the network in 2022.
Donner’s lawsuit took a significant hit on Monday when he lost the sick leave claim, the last standing issue in the federal case heard in Washington. His termination was reportedly due to a heated phone call with his supervisor about failing to notify them properly when taking a sick day.
U.S. District Judge Amir Ali highlighted that Fox News’ policy requires employees to inform their supervisor of illness as soon as possible, but no later than two hours after their scheduled start time. The judge concluded that Donner’s actions did not fall under the protection of the District of Columbia’s sick leave law.
Previously in the case, Donner argued that his dismissal was part of a broader move to remove employees who wouldn’t align with the network’s editorial angle, particularly concerning President Donald Trump and his supporters during his presidency.
Donner also claimed that on January 6, 2021, he was present at the Capitol and vocally opposed the network’s portrayal of rioters as peaceful, which led to a heated exchange with the control room. Fox, however, denied any discrimination against him.
In 2024, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper dismissed Donner’s claim regarding his opposition to Fox’s reporting. Judge Cooper stated, “Though his amended complaint suggests that he may have been terminated for speaking out against Fox’s reporting, no established public policy prevents Fox from cutting ties with an employee who objects to its editorial decisions.”
