Supreme Court sides with Comcast in Byron Allen case
By Mona Austin
The Supreme court ruled against Byron Allen in a racial discrimination case against Comcast that gained national attention for its broad implications about Civil Rights. Allen (the owner of Entertainment Studioswas unable to prove that his Television Network was rejected from the cable provider on the basis of race in a $20 billion legal battle that started in 2015. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote the unanimous decision ruling that Allen did not show that the cable giant would not do business with him "but for" race. In other words, race had to be the sole reason for Not only did Comcast argue that race was not a factor, but they focused on market compatability instead, which the court found to be reasonable.
“We are pleased the Supreme Court unanimously restored certainty on the standard to bring and prove civil rights claims,” Comcast said in a statement. “The well-established framework that has protected civil rights for decades continues. The nation’s civil rights laws have not changed with this ruling; they remain the same as before the case was filed.”
Allen released the following statement on Monday saying, for him, the fight does not end here:
"Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has rendered a ruling that is harmful to the civil rights of millions of Americans. This is a very bad day for our country. We will continue our fight by going to Congress and the presidential candidates to revise the statute to overcome this decision by the United States Supreme Court, which significantly diminishes our civil rights."
Many of Mr. Allen's supporters in the African American business community and community at large felt racism was at the heart of his dispute with Comcast.
In fact, Comcast used their carriage of Revolt TV, owned by Sean "P. Diddiy" Combs as an example of inclusion. Combs denounced their using his partnership with them as justification of accepting of minority content.
Central to the concern of those backing Allen was the potential future inability of plaintiffs to point out racial discrimination in business contracting.
Said Combs in a statement last fall, "In its efforts to get the lawsuit filed by Byron Allen dismissed, Comcast has taken a legal approach that could weaken fundamental civil rights protections. I have a problem with this. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 section 1981 was designed to ensure Black people are able to do business in this country and not be denied because of race. Comcast is arguing that this law only applies if racial discrimination is the only factor that leads to a refusal to do business, which would be extremely hard to prove."
Also recognizing the barrier to doing business with minority companies losing the lawsuit could set Combs continued, " If they are successful, it will become much harder for any victim of discrimination to seek justice in court. By taking this stance in the Supreme Court, Comcast has put its legal tactics ahead of the rights of millions of Americans to be heard. This is not OK."
Under the umbrella of Entertainment the comedian/producer owns 8 networks; Automotive.TV, Cars.TV, Comedy.TV, ES.TV, Justice Central, MyDestination.TV, Pets.TV and Recipe.TV. None of them were aired on Comcast stations.
In fact, Comcast used their carriage of Revolt TV, owned by Sean "P. Diddiy" Combs as an example of inclusion. Combs denounced their using his partnership with them as justification of accepting of minority content.
Central to the concern of those backing Allen was the potential future inability of plaintiffs to point out racial discrimination in business contracting.
Said Combs in a statement last fall, "In its efforts to get the lawsuit filed by Byron Allen dismissed, Comcast has taken a legal approach that could weaken fundamental civil rights protections. I have a problem with this. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 section 1981 was designed to ensure Black people are able to do business in this country and not be denied because of race. Comcast is arguing that this law only applies if racial discrimination is the only factor that leads to a refusal to do business, which would be extremely hard to prove."
Also recognizing the barrier to doing business with minority companies losing the lawsuit could set Combs continued, " If they are successful, it will become much harder for any victim of discrimination to seek justice in court. By taking this stance in the Supreme Court, Comcast has put its legal tactics ahead of the rights of millions of Americans to be heard. This is not OK."
Under the umbrella of Entertainment the comedian/producer owns 8 networks; Automotive.TV, Cars.TV, Comedy.TV, ES.TV, Justice Central, MyDestination.TV, Pets.TV and Recipe.TV. None of them were aired on Comcast stations.
Ofcourse, Comcast was satisfied with the high court's ruling.
