Archive · 24 May 2025
CBS Ordered to Pay Fired Executive Nearly $10 Million
Imagine a top boss at a TV company, Peter Dunn, was fired before an investigation about his comments was finished.
The company has to pay him almost $10 million.
The comments were considered offensive, including remarks about a Black anchor and another being “too gay.”
His lawyer says he was fired to please a "woke mob".
The company tried to later say they fired him for a good reason, but they had to make that decision when they fired him.
Now, CBS has to pay him because they didn't follow their contract rules.
CBS was ordered to pay nearly $10 million to Peter Dunn, a former executive.
Dunn was fired before the completion of an internal investigation into alleged racist and sexist remarks.
The remarks included calling a Black anchor “a jive guy” and another “too gay.”
Dunn's lawyer said the firing was to appease the "woke mob."
CBS maintains it disagrees with the ruling and stands by the findings of its investigation.
- Who
- Peter Dunn (former CBS executive) and CBS.
- What
- CBS was ordered to pay nearly $10 million to Peter Dunn.
- When
- Dunn was fired in 2021; the arbitration panel made the decision.
- Where
- Not explicitly stated in article, but implied to be within the US legal system.
- Why
- Due to CBS violating Dunn’s employment contract by attempting to reclassify his termination after the fact.
CBS's Perspective
Dunn's Perspective
Reason for Termination
CBS's Perspective
CBS maintains the termination was based on the findings of an internal investigation, though they disagree with the ruling.
Dunn's Perspective
Dunn's lawyer claims he was wrongfully terminated to appease external pressure.
Validity of Investigation
CBS's Perspective
CBS stands by the process and the findings of the investigation, but disagrees with the ruling.
Dunn's Perspective
Dunn's side believes the investigation findings shouldn't have changed the initial ruling.
- Award Amount
- Approximately $9.78 million
- Peter Dunn's Role
- Former President of CBS Television Stations
- Dunn's Removal Date
- 2021
- Decision Maker
- Arbitration Panel
- Employer
- CBS