In a significant legal development, Kevin Hunter, the ex-husband of TV personality Wendy Williams, has encountered a major roadblock in his ongoing $7 million lawsuit against the producers of The Wendy Williams Show.
According to recently obtained court documents, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a ruling on April 8, vacating a previous decision that had appeared to be in Hunter’s favor. This ruling marks a substantial setback for Hunter, who has been battling to reinstate his claims in a case that has garnered considerable public attention.
Hunter filed the lawsuit in 2023, alleging that he was wrongfully fired from his position as executive producer of The Wendy Williams Show after Wendy Williams filed for divorce in 2019.
In his complaint, Hunter argued that his termination was the result of “marital status discrimination,” claiming that his firing was directly linked to his personal relationship with Williams rather than his professional performance.
Hunter’s lawsuit asserts that he played an integral role in the show’s success, pointing to his involvement in creating popular segments such as Hot Topics and Shoe Cam. He also claimed he had significant control over key aspects of the show, including guest bookings, marketing decisions, and the overall direction of the program.
Despite his efforts to make his case, the latest ruling from the appellate court complicates Hunter’s position, potentially diminishing his chances of winning a payout. The defendants in the case, including the production company Debmar-Mercury and producers Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus, have contested Hunter’s claims, arguing that his dismissal was not a matter of discrimination but rather a result of other professional considerations.
This setback serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in wrongful termination and marital status discrimination lawsuits, especially in high-profile cases involving public figures. As Hunter’s legal team considers their next steps, the outcome of this case remains uncertain.
Legal experts are keeping a close eye on any further developments, particularly in light of the appellate court’s decision, which could set important precedents for similar employment disputes in the entertainment industry.
