Ascent Media Group, a production company in Hollywood, California was sued by  former employee, Andrew MacDonald who claims he was fired in retaliation for reporting another employee doing drugs in the bathroom.    According to MacDonald when he informed his boss the issue was downplayed and he felt that he was not believed.  MacDonald then sarcastically suggested that he should video-tape the other employee snorting cocain in the bathroom so his boss would believe him.   The next day he was fired for threatening to video-tape a co-worker in the bathroom.

Both federal and state laws prohibit employers from retaliating against their employees for whistleblowing.

A jury found that Ascent Media Group had acted with malice in terminating MacDonald and awarded him $450,000.

If you have suffered wrongful termination please give my office, The Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman a call at 877-449-8898 for a free consultation.

Published: March 15, 2013

Updated: March 28, 2025


This is attorney advertising. These posts are written on behalf of Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. and are intended solely as informational content. These blogs in no way provide specific or actionable legal advice, nor does your use of or engagement with this site establish any attorney-client relationship. Please read the disclaimer


More Insights from the TMF Blog

Wage and Hour Violations: How Los Angeles Employers Cheat Workers

Table of Contents Key Takeaways Wage theft costs California workers billions of dollars annually, with Los Angeles County experiencing some of the highest rates ...

Wrongful Termination in Los Angeles: Know Your Rights as a California Employee

Table of Contents Key Takeaways California’s employment laws provide some of the strongest worker protections in the nation, yet thousands of Los Angeles employees ...

Workplace Harassment Laws in California: What Los Angeles Employees Need to Know

Table of Contents Key Takeaways Workplace harassment remains a persistent problem in Los Angeles workplaces despite strong California laws designed to prevent it. Understanding ...