Disney Sued for 3rd Time Over ‘Black Hoe’

Walt Disney Co. has been hit with a third racial discrimination lawsuit arising from a radio promotion called “Black Hoe.”

The move follows news that attorney Johnnie Cochran is representing two plaintiffs in the matter, which stems from the promotion on Disney-owned KLOS-FM in which black plastic gardening tools were distributed to listeners and advertisers as a double-entendre on the slang pronunciation of the word “whore.”

Cochran’s law firm was hired last month to represent two KLOS-FM employees who filed suits in August that allege that Disney, ABC and KLOS-FM violated antidiscrimination laws by airing the “Black Hoe” promotion on KLOS-FM’s top-rated “Mark & Brian Show.” KLOS is operated by Disney’s ABC division.

Cochran’s clients, KLOS account executive Carla Woodson and KLOS traffic manager Judy Goodwin, contend in court records that they suffered daily harassment and retaliation by managers and co-workers after complaining about the “racist and sexually degrading” promotion.

The latest suit against Disney was filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court by former KLOS account executive Leslie Childs, who is represented by attorney Dwight M. Bolden.

Executives at ABC said there is no basis to claims asserted in the suits.