Disney Gender Discrimination Settlement: $43.25M

Women who held a “covered position” at The Walt Disney Co. or its affiliates in California from April 1, 2015, to Dec. 28, 2024. Covered roles include salaried, full-time, non-union jobs below vice president, within job levels B1–B4, T1–T4, TL, P1–P6, P2L–P5L, M1–M3, A1–A5, E0, E1 or E1X. Employees of Hulu, ESPN, Pixar, 21st Century (Fox), FX, National Geographic, Bamtech, or ILM are excluded.

Not required.

The Walt Disney Co. has agreed to a $43.25 million settlement to resolve allegations that it violated California’s Equal Pay Act by paying women less than men for performing substantially similar work. The lawsuit focused on systemic gender-based pay disparities across Disney’s salaried, non-union positions in California.

According to the complaint, women in equivalent roles were routinely compensated less than their male peers, despite performing similar job functions. The lawsuit alleges Disney maintained compensation structures and evaluation methods that perpetuated this disparity, affecting employees across several of its divisions.

Eligible roles include positions held at The Walt Disney Co., ABC, Disneyland Resort, Disney Television Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Channel, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and other affiliated companies operating in California. Employees in compensation-focused HR roles, legal staff tied to the litigation, and staff from separate Disney-owned companies like Hulu and ESPN are not included.

Disney denies any wrongdoing but chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation.

What Settlement Class Members Can Receive

Eligible class members are guaranteed a minimum payment of $200, with the potential for higher awards based on individual factors and how many claims are processed. The settlement administrator will calculate final payment amounts after accounting for attorneys’ fees, expenses, and the number of eligible participants.

No claim form is required. Payments will be distributed automatically to eligible individuals unless they choose to opt out of the settlement. Those who wish to update their mailing address may do so via the official settlement website.