In a legal battle that brought to light serious allegations against The Walt Disney Company, a former cast member’s estate has reached a tentative settlement following his tragic death. Khatchatur Berberian, a Disney employee for over 15 years, filed a lawsuit alleging age and ethnic discrimination in 2023.
His passing in December 2024 at just 53 years old has left many questioning the company’s handling of the situation and its broader implications for employee rights and diversity.
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The lawsuit was filed after Berberian, who had worked for Disney since 1998, claimed that he was unfairly dismissed due to his Armenian heritage and his age. The issues began in 2014 when a new manager was brought on board.
According to Berberian, the manager became physically aggressive toward him after learning of his heart disease diagnosis. He also alleged that the manager made racially charged remarks, such as calling him “hairy” and mocking his accent — comments that were reportedly made twice in 2020.
By 2021, Berberian found himself furloughed and, after being told his position had been eliminated, was later let go in September. However, he asserted that younger employees in similar roles were not fired, leading him to believe his termination was a direct result of his age and ethnicity.
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Though Berberian filed his suit in September 2023, he tragically passed away from cardiac arrest in December 2024. Despite this, the Los Angeles Superior Court allowed the executor of his estate to continue the legal proceedings on his behalf.
What followed was a series of legal challenges from Disney, which initially argued that the statute of limitations had expired and that Berberian had been let go for non-discriminatory reasons.
However, in an unexpected turn of events, Disney opted to settle the lawsuit rather than continue to fight it in court.
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As of now, the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, leaving many to speculate on whether the company admitted any wrongdoing. It is unclear whether the estate received compensation for Berberian’s claims, or if Disney took any responsibility for the treatment he endured.
The settlement is set to be finalized by September 30, 2025, with some questioning if this decision indicates an implicit acknowledgment of guilt. While the company has not admitted to any fault publicly, the settlement seems to suggest a shift toward avoiding further legal complications.
We want to hear your thoughts. Was Disney’s decision to settle the case the right one, or does it reflect an unwillingness to fully address the allegations? Share your opinions in the comments below!
