08-27-2025
Anthony Filomena is suing the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks for discrimination based on his sexual orientation. Filomena, an openly gay man, worked as a public relations manager for the team from July 2022 until May 2024. After his hire, a new EVP of Brand and Marketing was hired and had supervisory responsibility over him. Filomena alleges that this EVP, Jerry Ferguson, treated him differently from similarly situated employees because of his sexual orientation. Filomena reported the differential treatment he experienced through “hostile and aggressive actions” to HR. Ferguson purportedly retaliated against Filomena by becoming even more hostile, including yelling and berating him in front of other employees and accusing Ferguson of not performing his job. Filomena alleges he provided evidence that he was doing his job. In April 2024, Filomena stated he received a performance evaluation that rated him “On Track” in every performance category.
A few days later, Filomena spoke with Outsports, a website covering LGBTQ+ issues and individuals in sports, to share his experiences as a homosexual male in a professional hockey organization. The Blackhawk’s CEO allegedly gave approval for the interview. In late April, Outsports published the article online. Following the publication, the Director of Brand and Communications told Filomena they were angry about his participation in the interview without obtaining prior approval. He alleges that other employees had spoken to press outlets without prior approval and, at most, received a “stern talking to.” Filomena told his supervisor that he believed the criticism was because of Ferguson’s discrimination based on sexual orientation, and he had approval from the CEO. The following day, the Blackhawks fired Filomena from his position.
The Blackhawks issued a public statement indicating that it fired Filomena due to multiple instances of misconduct over six months. He allegedly received numerous written communications about the team’s expectations, including a formal, final written warning.