Kate Merrill, a former WBZ-TV anchor, spoke out on social media Wednesday about her $4 million federal lawsuit against the station, CBS, Paramount, and four ex-colleagues, alleging racial and gender discrimination.
Merrill, who left WBZ in 2024 after 20 years, claimed she was unfairly targeted to “advance a DEI agenda,” according to the August 5 filing in Boston’s US District Court.
In her post, Merrill expressed “profound sadness” over the lawsuit but said it was necessary to ensure fairness at WBZ. The 57-page complaint details her tenure since 2004, rising to morning show co-anchor, and alleges discriminatory treatment after two Black co-workers complained about her.
Merrill emphasized her pride in two decades of inclusive journalism, mentoring diverse reporters, and covering Boston’s stories. “I poured my heart into this work because I believe in journalism’s power to inform, connect, and uplift,” she wrote. She clarified that her lawsuit supports diverse newsrooms but opposes “unjustifiable” exclusion to meet agendas.
The suit aims to ensure no one is unfairly sidelined, she said, adding, “Boston is my home. Telling this city’s stories has been my greatest privilege.” Merrill hopes the legal process upholds fairness and accountability. She previously filed, then withdrew, discrimination charges with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to pursue the lawsuit.