CNN Reporter Sues Network, Allegedly Told She Did Not Have "The Look" for TV
She was injured on the job and maintains the company didn’t support her.
It's no secret that when it comes to jobs in broadcasting in front of the camera, looks definitely play a role. However, according to labor laws, an employer can't discriminate against employees on the basis of looks or race. One former CNN reporter is challenging the news network by suing them, after claiming she was unfairly dismissed and racially discriminated against after being severely injured while on assignment in Israel.
In 2014 Saima Mohsin was reporting in Jerusalem for CNN on the Israel-Palestine conflict when her foot was run over by her cameraman. It caused severe tissue damage, which resulted in her struggling to sit, stand, or walk.
She wasn't able to go back to her job in front of the camera because of her injuries, so she asked CNN for other work duties to support her rehabilitation. She claims they refused. She also asked if she could do presenting work so she wouldn't have to travel but claims they told her "you don't have the look we are looking for."
Three years later, she says they terminated her contract. "I worked hard to become an international correspondent and loved my job with CNN. I risked my life many times on assignment for CNN believing they would have my back. They did not," she says about why she is suing them.
She claims they discriminated against her racially and also due to her disability. She also filed a complaint about the gender pay gap at the company. "This should cause concern for all foreign correspondents who travel around the world – and take risks to do their journalism in the belief their employer will take care of them," she said in her statement.
"I'm also taking the opportunity to highlight the racism and gender pay gap issues that I experienced. I was repeatedly let down and denied the ability to achieve my potential while I was at CNN. I am bringing my claim to take a stand and call for change to ensure women journalists, and women journalists of colour, are better protected".
She is now presenting for Sky News, where she works as a freelance consultant. She also made a show for ITV about the pain of living with invisible disabilities
