Magic Johnson Sued for Wrongful Termination and Age Discrimination in Los Angeles

Magic Johnson’s former flight attendant has sued his company for wrongful termination in Los Angeles Superior Court. The former employee on Magic Johnson’s private plane, Lanita Thomas, is suing for age discrimination and various California Labor Code violations. Ms. Thomas, 45, alleges that Magic replaced her with a much younger flight attendant because he prefers younger women in violation of the law. Ms. Thomas claims that the “pretext” for her termination by Magic was that she was seven minutes late while trying to get Magic the very specific kind of turkey he likes in his sandwiches. Ms. Thomas-who worked for Magic since 2004-alleges that Magic hired the much younger flight attendant that temporarily substituted in for her during her prior medical leave of absence.

In addition to the age discrimination claim, Ms. Thomas is suing for California Labor Code violations, including non-payment of overtime and missed meal and rest periods. Ms. Thomas alleges that she spent about a third of her timestocking Magic’s private plane with “highly specific in-flight food and beverage choices,” including liquorice, which she was required to “regularly squeeze to make sure they were soft.” Ms. Thomas alleges that because she was the only flight attendant and had to spend so much time on the above-mentioned tasks, that she was never allowed to take full meal or rest breaks.

What do you think of the age discrimination claim against Magic?