NYC Radio: Staffer Claims Hot 97 Fired Him For Being 'Too White'

Stanley Pillman III, the former VP of digital operations at WQHT Hot 97, has filed a lawsuit against MediaCo Holding, the parent company of Hot 97, alleging retaliation and discrimination in violation of New York State’s human rights and labor laws. 

Here are the key details from the case:

Termination for Being “Too White”: Pillman claims that he was terminated because he was considered “too white for the job.” During a meeting with MediaCo’s CEO and COO/President, he was told that there was a feeling around the office that he didn’t know “anything about hip-hop.” When he asked if they were implying he was too white for the role, the response was affirmative.

Stanley Pillman III

Accusations Against Funkmaster Flex: Pillman alleges that DJ Funkmaster Flex (legal name is Aston George Taylor, Jr) accepted kickbacks from advertisers. After reporting this to the station, he was fired as retaliation.

Legal Action: The lawsuit seeks Pillman’s reinstatement, back pay, compensatory damages for emotional harm, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.

Flex’s Remarks: On the day of his termination, Funkmaster Flex allegedly went on air and called Pillman a "bozo".

Replacement: After Pillman’s departure, a Hispanic male took over his job, followed by a Black male. Similarly, the contract of another white executive, Brad Tobin, was not renewed, and he was replaced by a Black male.

Pillman also accused Flex of telling some fellow employees that “the white boys are stealing from us,” referencing Pillman and Tobin, who was also white, last July. He then told Hot 97’s Human Resources department that Flex and Hot 97’s SVP of sales “were involved in potential kick-backs and theft of company funds.” Pillman claims that the two were involved in “zero dollar” digital and on-air advertising and providing ad space to clients without contracts or collecting any fees.