Former Chicago Blackhawks PR Manager Sues Team, Alleges Firing Was Retaliation for Being Gay

A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Chicago Blackhawks by Anthony Filomena, the team's former public relations manager, who alleges he was wrongfully terminated due to his sexual orientation and in retaliation for speaking out about discriminatory treatment. Filomena, who is openly gay, claims that the circumstances leading to his dismissal reflect both workplace bias and a broader challenge for LGBTQ+ professionals in major league sports organizations .

According to court documents, Filomena asserts that he was subjected to “hostile and aggressive actions” by his supervisor after participating in an interview with Outsports, a publication known for covering LGBTQ+ issues in sports. Filomena states that prior to the interview, he received explicit approval from Blackhawks chairman and owner Danny Wirtz, who believed the piece would enhance the team’s reputation in the LGBTQ+ community .

The interview with Outsports was published on April 29, 2024. According to the lawsuit, three days after publication, Filomena was confronted by a senior employee who allegedly stated that the department was “very angry” about the interview. Filomena subsequently reported this encounter to his supervisor, expressing his belief that the criticism stemmed from discrimination based on his sexual orientation .

On May 3, just one day after this conversation with his supervisor, Filomena was terminated. The lawsuit argues that the close timing between his report of alleged discrimination and his firing constitutes “direct evidence of retaliation” .

Filomena’s lawsuit, filed in federal court in Chicago, seeks to hold the Blackhawks accountable for what he describes as a violation of his civil rights. The suit claims that not only was he treated unfairly due to his sexual orientation, but that his dismissal was a direct result of both his public engagement with LGBTQ+ media and his willingness to confront perceived workplace discrimination .

Though the Blackhawks have not issued a detailed public response to the allegations as of the time of publication, the case has sparked renewed conversation among LGBTQ+ advocates and sports industry observers. Many see the lawsuit as emblematic of the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ employees in professional sports, a sector where progress on inclusion and diversity has often lagged behind other industries .

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have highlighted the case as a reminder of the importance of clear non-discrimination policies and robust support systems for LGBTQ+ employees in sports organizations. The Human Rights Campaign and other equality organizations have long emphasized the need for workplaces to ensure that LGBTQ+ professionals can speak openly about their identities and experiences without fear of retaliation or professional harm .

The timing of Filomena’s termination—immediately after both a high-profile interview and a report of alleged discrimination—raises questions about the effectiveness of internal processes for addressing bias and protecting whistleblowers within sports franchises .

Filomena’s case follows a series of high-profile incidents in professional sports where LGBTQ+ employees or athletes have reported discrimination, highlighting the ongoing need for cultural change and genuine inclusion. In recent years, teams across the NHL and other major leagues have made public commitments to diversity and inclusion, but advocates argue that such commitments must be matched by consistent action and accountability.

Legal experts note that the outcome of this lawsuit could set important precedents for how professional sports teams handle claims of discrimination and retaliation tied to sexual orientation. The case is being closely watched as it moves through the federal court process; its resolution is likely to influence both policy and practice in the years ahead .

As the legal proceedings continue, the situation remains a focal point for LGBTQ+ advocates, sports fans, and workplace equality experts. Many are calling on the Chicago Blackhawks and all major league franchises to reaffirm their commitment to inclusive workplaces and to ensure that employees of all identities are valued and protected.

The case underscores the reality that, despite progress, meaningful equality in professional sports remains a work in progress—and that vigilance, advocacy, and legal recourse remain vital tools for advancing LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace.