On January 29, 2025, ECBAWM attorneys filed a lawsuit on behalf of client Ojinika Obiekwe, an Emmy award-winning journalist, reporter, and TV anchor, against Nexstar Media Group and WPIX-TV Channel 11 (“PIX11”), asserting that Ms. Obiekwe’s termination on January 31, 2023, and the subsequent decision to not renew her contract, was illegal and motivated by the station’s desire to retaliate against her for speaking out against discrimination in the workplace.

According to the filed complaint, during her employment at PIX11, Ms. Obiekwe, a Black woman, became aware that certain white male peers with her same position were receiving more staff support, and therefore Ms. Obiekwe had to do the work of two or even three employees, all despite her 22-year-long tenure with PIX11. After she spoke out about the discrimination she faced, Ms. Obiekwe was terminated based on alleged “insubordination” and an alleged “failure to perform job duties,” despite a lack of evidence of either.

“Ms. Obiekwe was terminated, and her contract was not renewed, because she spoke up about discrimination she was experiencing.  Beyond being morally unjust, PIX11 and Nexstar must be held accountable for their violations of the law,” said attorney Eric Abrams.

Now, Ms. Obiekwe, with support from her lawyers at ECBAWM, has filed a complaint in the Southern District of New York against PIX11 and Nexstar for the retaliation. “All New Yorkers have the right to a workplace free from discrimination—and the right to call out discrimination when they see it.  That’s what Oji did here—and that’s why she was terminated by PIX 11.  The station’s conduct was wrong, and it was illegal,” said ECBAWM Partner Andrew G. Celli, Jr.

Ms. Obiekwe is represented by ECBAWM attorneys Andrew G. Celli, Jr. and Eric Abrams.