Case: Claybrooks v. American Broadcasting Companies

3:12-cv-00388 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

Filed Date: April 18, 2012

Closed Date: 2013

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On April 18, 2012, two African-American men who had unsuccessfully applied to be cast as The Bachelor in the ABC television program of the same name filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division, under § 1981 and Cal. Civ. §§ 51, 51.5 against ABC. The complaint was filed as a class action, with plaintiffs seeking to sue on behalf of the class of all people of color who had unsuccessfully applied to star as either The Bachelor or The Bachelor…

On April 18, 2012, two African-American men who had unsuccessfully applied to be cast as The Bachelor in the ABC television program of the same name filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division, under § 1981 and Cal. Civ. §§ 51, 51.5 against ABC. The complaint was filed as a class action, with plaintiffs seeking to sue on behalf of the class of all people of color who had unsuccessfully applied to star as either The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, asked the court for declaratory, injunctive, and monetary relief, alleging that they were the victims of ABC's racial discrimination. Specifically, the plaintiffs claimed that ABC has intentionally and as a matter of corporate policy refused to cast people of color in the role of the Bachelor and Bachelorette for all 23 seasons of the two programs.

On October 15, 2012, the Court (Judge Trauger) dismissed the case with prejudice on the grounds that applying anti-discrimination provisions to casting decisions would threaten the content of various television networks and their ability to target certain demographic groups and that it would chill protected speech.

On November 11, 2012, the plaintiffs moved to alter the judgment and to file an amended complaint. On April 4, 2013, both motions were denied.

Summary Authors

Christopher Schad (5/24/2012)

Katherine Reineck (2/21/2016)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4383458/parties/claybrooks-v-american-broadcasting-companies-inc/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Barrett, George E. (Tennessee)

Best, Zachary W. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Bryant, Kenneth M. (Tennessee)

Grubbs, Shelby R. (Tennessee)

Kurtz, Ryan A. (Georgia)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

3:12-cv-00388

Docket [PACER]

Oct. 15, 2012

Oct. 15, 2012

Docket
1

3:12-cv-00388

Class Action Complaint for Damages

April 18, 2012

April 18, 2012

Complaint
102

3:12-cv-00388

Order

Claybrooks v. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.

Oct. 15, 2012

Oct. 15, 2012

Order/Opinion

898 F.Supp.2d 986

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4383458/claybrooks-v-american-broadcasting-companies-inc/

Last updated Aug. 24, 2026, 7:15 p.m.

Docket for: Claybrooks v. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 April 18, 2012

CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES filed by Christopher Johnson, Nathaniel Claybrooks. (Filing fee $ 350) Summons issued. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(af) (Additional attachment(s) added on 4/18/2012: # 2 Summons) (rd). (Entered: 04/18/2012)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Summons

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2 April 18, 2012

NOTICE from USDC Clerk regarding Corporate Disclosure Statement requirement. (rd) (Entered: 04/18/2012)

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3 April 18, 2012

NOTICE of Initial Case Management Conference set for 3:30 p.m. on Monday, 6/18/12 in Chambers 825 before District Judge Aleta A. Trauger. (rd) (Entered: 04/18/2012)

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4 April 19, 2012

MOTION for attorney(s) Byron R. Perkins and Terrinell Lyons-Edwards to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Fee not paid-due within 20 days) by Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson. (Barrett, George) (Entered: 04/19/2012)

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5 April 19, 2012

CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING of Attorney Byron R. Perkins from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama filed by Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson. (Barrett, George) (Entered: 04/19/2012)

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6 April 19, 2012

CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING of Attorney Terrinell Lyons-Edwards from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama filed by Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson. (Barrett, George) (Entered: 04/19/2012)

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7 April 23, 2012

RECEIPT #34675021323 in the amount of $150.00 posted by Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson re 4 Motion for Attys Byron R. Perkins and Terrinell Lyons-Edwards to Appear Pro Hac Vice. (rd) (Entered: 04/23/2012)

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8 April 25, 2012

ORDER: Pltf's 4 Motion for Attys Byron R. Perkins and Terrinell Lyons-Edwards to Appear Pro Hac Vice is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 4/25/12. (rd) (Entered: 04/25/2012)

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9 April 27, 2012

SUMMONS returned executed by Christopher Johnson, Nathaniel Claybrooks. NZK Productions, Inc. served on 4/23/2012. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Cert. Mail Return Receipt- NZK Productions, Inc.)(Barrett, George) (Entered: 04/27/2012)

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10 April 27, 2012

SUMMONS returned executed by Christopher Johnson, Nathaniel Claybrooks. Warner Horizon Television, Inc. served on 4/23/2012. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Cert. Mail Return Receipt- Warner Horizon Television, Inc.)(Barrett, George) (Entered: 04/27/2012)

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11 April 30, 2012

SUMMONS returned executed by Christopher Johnson, Nathaniel Claybrooks. Michael Fleiss served on 4/23/2012. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Cert. U.S. Mail Return Receipt- Michael Fleiss)(Barrett, George) (Entered: 04/30/2012)

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12 April 30, 2012

SUMMONS returned executed by Christopher Johnson, Nathaniel Claybrooks. Next Entertainment, Inc. served on 4/23/2012. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Cert. U.S. Mail Return Receipt- NEXT Entertainment, Inc.)(Barrett, George) (Entered: 04/30/2012)

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13 May 7, 2012

SUMMONS returned executed by Christopher Johnson, Nathaniel Claybrooks. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. served on 5/7/2012. (Barrett, George) (Entered: 05/07/2012)

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14 May 7, 2012

NOTICE of Appearance by Scott P. Tift on behalf of Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson (Tift, Scott) (Entered: 05/07/2012)

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15 May 7, 2012

MOTION for attorney(s) Cyrus Mehri, Michael P. Lieder and Zachary W. Best to Appear Pro Hac Vice (paid $225 PHV fee; receipt number 0650-1289062) by Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson. (Barrett, George) (Entered: 05/07/2012)

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16 May 7, 2012

CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING of Attorney Cyrus Mehri from the United States District Court for the District of Columbia filed by Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson. (Barrett, George) (Entered: 05/07/2012)

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17 May 7, 2012

CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING of Attorney Michael Lieder from the United States District Court for the District of Columbia filed by Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson. (Barrett, George) (Entered: 05/07/2012)

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18 May 7, 2012

CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING of Attorney Zachary Best from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia filed by Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson. (Barrett, George) (Entered: 05/07/2012)

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19 May 7, 2012

NOTICE of Appearance by Sarah C. Maxwell on behalf of American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. (Maxwell, Sarah) (Entered: 05/07/2012)

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20 May 8, 2012

ORDER: Pltfs' 15 Motion for Attys Cyrus Mehri, Michael P. Lieder, and Zachary W. Best to Appear Pro Hac Vice is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 5/8/12. (rd) (Entered: 05/08/2012)

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21 May 8, 2012

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer or Otherwise Respond by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Nathaniel Claybrooks, Michael Fleiss, Christopher Johnson, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Maxwell, Sarah) (Entered: 05/08/2012)

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22 May 9, 2012

ORDER: Defts' 21 Joint Motion to Extend Deadlines to Respond is GRANTED. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., and Warner Horizon Television, Inc. shall have through 6/14/12 to respond to Complaint. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 5/9/12. (rd) (Entered: 05/09/2012)

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23 May 10, 2012

MOTION for attorney(s) Adam Levin to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Fee not paid-due within 20 days) by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Pinkley, T.) (Entered: 05/10/2012)

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24 May 10, 2012

CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING of Attorney Adam Levin from the United States District Court for the Central District of California filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Pinkley, T.) (Entered: 05/10/2012)

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25 May 10, 2012

MOTION for attorney(s) Seth E. Pierce to Appear Pro Hac Vice (Fee not paid-due within 20 days) by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Pinkley, T.) (Entered: 05/10/2012)

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26 May 10, 2012

CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING of Attorney Seth E. Pierce from the United States District Court for the Central District of California filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Pinkley, T.) (Entered: 05/10/2012)

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27 May 11, 2012

RECEIPT #34675021629 in the amount of $75.00 posted by defts re 23 Motion for atty Adam Levin to Appear Pro Hac Vice. RECEIPT #34675021630 in the amount of $75.00 posted by defts re 25 Motion for atty Seth E. Pierce to Appear Pro Hac Vice. (rd) (Entered: 05/11/2012)

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28 May 14, 2012

ORDER: Pltfs' 23 Motion for Atty Adam Levin to Appear Pro Hac Vice is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 5/14/12. (rd) (Entered: 05/14/2012)

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29 May 14, 2012

ORDER: Pltfs' 25 Motion for Atty Seth E. Pierce to Appear Pro Hac Vice is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 5/14/12. (rd) (Entered: 05/14/2012)

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30 June 1, 2012

Joint MOTION to Continue Case Management Conference and to Postpone Deadline to File Class Certification Motion by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Nathaniel Claybrooks, Michael Fleiss, Christopher Johnson, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Tift, Scott) (Entered: 06/01/2012)

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31 June 1, 2012

APPENDIX filed by All Parties re 30 Motion to Continue,. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Case law)(Tift, Scott) (Entered: 06/01/2012)

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32 June 4, 2012

ORDER: The parties' 30 Joint Motion Requesting a Continuance of the Case Management Conference and to Postpone Deadline to File Class Certification Motion is GRANTED. The deadline for the filing of the class certification motion is STAYED, pending further order of the court. The ICMC is CONTINUED, to be reset at a later time. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 6/4/12. (rd) Modified on 6/4/2012 (rd). (Entered: 06/04/2012)

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33 June 13, 2012

NOTICE of Appearance by Kenneth M. Bryant on behalf of American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. (Bryant, Kenneth) (Entered: 06/13/2012)

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34 June 14, 2012

AMENDED COMPLAINT FIRST AMENDED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES against All Defendants, filed by Christopher Johnson, Nathaniel Claybrooks.(Barrett, George) (Entered: 06/14/2012)

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35 June 26, 2012

NOTICE of Appearance by Shelby R. Grubbs on behalf of All Defendants (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 06/26/2012)

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36 June 28, 2012

MOTION for Leave to file Physical Evidence (Digital Video Disc, or DVD in support of certain motion papers and a Request For Judicial Notice) (UNOPPOSED) by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Exhibit 1 to Motion for Leave to File Physical Evidence (Digital Video Disc, or DVD)(Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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37 June 28, 2012

MEMORANDUM in Support of 36 MOTION for Leave to file Physical Evidence (Digital Video Disc, or DVD in support of certain motion papers and a Request For Judicial Notice) (UNOPPOSED) MOTION for Leave to file Physical Evidence (Digital Video Disc, or DVD in support of certain motion papers and a Request For Judicial Notice) (UNOPPOSED) filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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38 June 28, 2012

MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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39 June 28, 2012

REQUEST for Judicial Notice in Support of 38 MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint and 45 Alternative Motion to Strike Request for Injunctive Relief and Class Allegations, by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits 1-5I, # 2 Exhibits 5J-6)(Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 7/2/2012 (rd). (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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40 June 28, 2012

APPENDIX filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 39 Request for Judicial Notice. (Attachment: # 1 Case law)(Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 7/2/2012 (rd). (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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41 June 28, 2012

DECLARATION of Andrew S. Fleischer filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re: 39 REQUEST for Judicial Notice re 38 Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint. (Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 7/2/2012 (rd). (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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42 June 28, 2012

MEMORANDUM in Support of 38 MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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43 June 28, 2012

APPENDIX filed by All Defendants re 42 Memorandum in Support, 38 Motion to Dismiss. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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44 June 28, 2012

APPENDIX filed by All Defendants re 42 Memorandum in Support, 38 Motion to Dismiss, 43 Appendix. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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45 June 28, 2012

ALTERNATIVE MOTION to Strike 34 Request for Injunctive Relief and Class Allegations, by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. (Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 7/2/2012 (rd). (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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46 June 28, 2012

NOTICE of Filing by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 45 MOTION to Strike 34 Amended Complaint Class Allegations and Prayer for Injunctive Relief MOTION to Strike 34 Amended Complaint Class Allegations and Prayer for Injunctive Relief (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Amended Complaint with Allegations Stricken)(Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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47 June 28, 2012

MEMORANDUM in Support of 45 ALTERNATIVE MOTION to Strike, filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. (Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 7/2/2012 (rd). (Entered: 06/28/2012)

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48 June 28, 2012

APPENDIX filed by All Defendants re 47 Memorandum in Support, 45 Motion to Strike,. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Case law)(Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 06/28/2012)

1 Attachment Case law

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49 June 29, 2012

ORDER granting 36 Motion for Leave to to file Physical Evidence. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 6/29/12. (dt)

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50 June 29, 2012

ORDER: Defendants are given leave to file a DVD and that the Clerks office will accept that filing. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 6/29/12. (dt)

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51 June 29, 2012

ORDER: By 7/6/2012, the parties shall file a position statement, indicating whether or not they believe this 38 Motion to Dismiss should be converted to a motion for summary judgment under Rule 12(d), FED. R. CIV. P. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 6/29/12. (dt) Modified on 7/2/2012 (rd).

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52 June 29, 2012

NOTICE of Filing by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 50 Order Defendants' Notice of Filing Physical Evidence (DVDs) (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 06/29/2012)

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53 July 3, 2012

MOTION to Stay Response Deadlines to Pending Motions re 51 Order, by Nathaniel Claybrooks. Christopher Johnson. (Tift, Scott) Modified on 7/5/2012 (rd). (Entered: 07/03/2012)

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54 July 5, 2012

ORDER: Pltfs' 53 Motion to Stay Response Deadlines Pending the Court's Determination of Whether Defts' Motion to Dismiss Shall Proceed as a Summary Judgment Motions is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 7/5/12. (rd) (Entered: 07/05/2012)

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55 July 6, 2012

Position Statement Regarding Rule 12(d) Conversion filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 51 Order. (Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 7/9/2012 (rd). (Entered: 07/06/2012)

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56 July 6, 2012

APPENDIX of Cases Cited in 55 Position Statement Regarding Rule 12(d) Conversion, filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. (Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 7/9/2012 (rd). (Entered: 07/06/2012)

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57 July 6, 2012

Position Statement on Converting Motion to Dismiss into a Motion for Summary Judgment, filed by Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson re 51 Order. (Attachment: # 1 Attachment Unpublished cases)(Tift, Scott) Modified on 7/9/2012 (rd). (Entered: 07/06/2012)

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58 July 9, 2012

ORDER: The court declines to convert the pending Motion to Dismiss to a motion for summary judgment. Pltfs shall respond to the 38 Motion to Dismiss and 45 Alternative Motion to Strike Request for Injunctive Relief and Class Allegations by 7/27/12. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 7/9/12. (rd) (Entered: 07/09/2012)

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59 July 20, 2012

MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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60 July 20, 2012

MEMORANDUM in Support of 59 MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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61 July 20, 2012

REQUEST for Judicial Notice with attached Exhibit 1 re 59 MOTION to Transfer to C.D. of California by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. (Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 7/23/2012 (rd). (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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62 July 20, 2012

APPENDIX filed by All Defendants re 59 Motion to Change Venue. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Case Law)(Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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63 July 20, 2012

DECLARATION of Michael Fleiss filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re: 59 MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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64 July 20, 2012

DECLARATION of Martin Hilton filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re: 59 MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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65 July 20, 2012

DECLARATION of Brooke Karzen filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re: 59 MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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66 July 20, 2012

DECLARATION of Robyn Kass filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re: 59 MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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67 July 20, 2012

DECLARATION of Lacey Pemberton filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re: 59 MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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68 July 20, 2012

DECLARATION of Seth Pierce filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re: 59 MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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69 July 20, 2012

DECLARATION of John Saade filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re: 59 MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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70 July 20, 2012

DECLARATION of Roz Taylor-Jordan filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re: 59 MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/20/2012)

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71 July 23, 2012

CERTIFICATE Certificate of Service - Appendix filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re Docket Annotation, 62 Appendix filed by Next Entertainment, Inc., NZK Productions, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc., Michael Fleiss, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/23/2012)

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72 July 23, 2012

CERTIFICATE Certificate of Service - Fleiss Declaration filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re Docket Annotation, 63 Declaration, filed by Next Entertainment, Inc., NZK Productions, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc., Michael Fleiss, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/23/2012)

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73 July 23, 2012

CERTIFICATE Certificate of Service - Hilton Declaration filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re Docket Annotation, 64 Declaration, filed by Next Entertainment, Inc., NZK Productions, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc., Michael Fleiss, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/23/2012)

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74 July 23, 2012

CERTIFICATE Certificate of Service - Karzen Declaration filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 65 Declaration, filed by Next Entertainment, Inc., NZK Productions, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc., Michael Fleiss, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/23/2012)

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75 July 23, 2012

CERTIFICATE Certificate of Service - Kass Declaration filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 66 Declaration, filed by Next Entertainment, Inc., NZK Productions, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc., Michael Fleiss, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/23/2012)

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76 July 23, 2012

CERTIFICATE Certificate of Service - Pemberton Declaration filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 67 Declaration, filed by Next Entertainment, Inc., NZK Productions, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc., Michael Fleiss, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/23/2012)

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77 July 23, 2012

CERTIFICATE Certificate of Service - Pierce Declaration filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 68 Declaration, filed by Next Entertainment, Inc., NZK Productions, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc., Michael Fleiss, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/23/2012)

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78 July 23, 2012

CERTIFICATE Certificate of Service - Saade Declaration filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 69 Declaration, filed by Next Entertainment, Inc., NZK Productions, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc., Michael Fleiss, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/23/2012)

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79 July 23, 2012

CERTIFICATE Certificate of Service - Taylor-Jordan Declaration filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 70 Declaration, filed by Next Entertainment, Inc., NZK Productions, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc., Michael Fleiss, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.. (Grubbs, Shelby) (Entered: 07/23/2012)

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80 July 24, 2012

UNOPPOSED MOTION for Leave to File Consolidated Response to Defendants' Motions by Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson. (Tift, Scott) Modified on 7/25/2012 (rd). (Entered: 07/24/2012)

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81 July 24, 2012

JOINT MOTION Requesting Extension and Leave to File Reply Briefs re 45 MOTION to Strike, 38 MOTION to Dismiss by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Nathaniel Claybrooks, Michael Fleiss, Christopher Johnson, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. (Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 7/25/2012 (rd). (Entered: 07/24/2012)

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82 July 25, 2012

ORDER: Pltfs' 80 Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Consolidated Response to Motion to Dismiss and Alternative Motion to Strike is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 7/25/12. (rd) (Entered: 07/25/2012)

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83 July 25, 2012

ORDER: The parties' 81 Joint Motion Requesting Extension and Leave to File Reply Briefs is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 7/25/12. (rd) (Entered: 07/25/2012)

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84 July 27, 2012

MEMORANDUM of Law in Opposition to 35 Motion to Dismiss and 45 Alternative Motion to Strike filed by Nathaniel Claybrooks, Christopher Johnson. (Attachment: # 1 Attachment Unpublished caselaw)(Barrett, George) Modified on 7/30/2012 (rd). (Entered: 07/27/2012)

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85 Aug. 2, 2012

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 59 MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California and to Set Discovery Schedule by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Nathaniel Claybrooks, Michael Fleiss, Christopher Johnson, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Joint Motion)(Tift, Scott) (Entered: 08/02/2012)

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86 Aug. 3, 2012

ORDER granting 85 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response to 59 MOTION to Change Venue Transfer to C.D. of California. Plaintiffs' deadline to respond to Defendants' Motion to Transfer Venue is hereby indefinitely continued. (SEE ORDER FOR OTHER DEADLINES). Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 8/3/12. (dt) (Entered: 08/03/2012)

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87 Aug. 9, 2012

NOTICE of Appearance by Ryan A. Kurtz on behalf of All Defendants (Kurtz, Ryan) (Entered: 08/09/2012)

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88 Aug. 9, 2012

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney (unopposed) by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, correspondence # 2 Exhibit B, correspondence # 3 Proposed Order Granting Unopposed Motion to Withdraw as Counsel for Defendants)(Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 8/10/2012 (rd). (Entered: 08/09/2012)

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89 Aug. 10, 2012

ORDER: Defts' 88 Unopposed Motion to Withdraw as Counsel is GRANTED. Attys Kenneth M. Bryant, T. Harold Pinkley, Junaid C. Odubeko, Lynda Hill, and Sarah C. Maxwell terminated. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 8/10/12. (rd) (Entered: 08/10/2012)

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90 Aug. 16, 2012

Joint MOTION Set Deadlines Related to Defendants' Motion to Transfer Venue by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Nathaniel Claybrooks, Michael Fleiss, Christopher Johnson, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Motion)(Tift, Scott) (Entered: 08/16/2012)

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91 Aug. 17, 2012

REPLY Memorandum in Support of 38 MOTION to Dismiss filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. (Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 8/20/2012 (rd). (Entered: 08/17/2012)

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92 Aug. 17, 2012

APPENDIX filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 91 Reply Memorandum. (Attachment: # 1 Attachment Case Law)(Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 8/20/2012 (rd). (Entered: 08/17/2012)

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93 Aug. 17, 2012

REPLY Memorandum of Law in Support of 45 Alternative Motion to Strike Alternative Motion to Strike Request for Injunctive Relief and Class Allegations filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. (Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 8/20/2012 (rd). (Entered: 08/17/2012)

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94 Aug. 17, 2012

APPENDIX filed by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Michael Fleiss, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. re 93 Reply Memornandum. (Attachment: # 1 Attachment -Case Law)(Grubbs, Shelby) Modified on 8/20/2012 (rd). (Entered: 08/17/2012)

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95 Aug. 20, 2012

ORDER: The parties' 90 Joint Motion to Set Deadlines Related to Defts' Motion to Transfer Venue is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 8/20/12. (rd) (Entered: 08/20/2012)

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96 Sept. 10, 2012

NOTICE of Filing by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Nathaniel Claybrooks, Michael Fleiss, Christopher Johnson, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. Extension of Transfer Motion Deadlines (Tift, Scott) (Entered: 09/10/2012)

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97 Sept. 14, 2012

NOTICE of Filing by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Nathaniel Claybrooks, Michael Fleiss, Christopher Johnson, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. Agreed Extension of Deadlines (Tift, Scott) (Entered: 09/14/2012)

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98 Sept. 19, 2012

NOTICE of Filing by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Nathaniel Claybrooks, Michael Fleiss, Christopher Johnson, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. Extend Deadlines Concerning Motion to Transfer Venue (Tift, Scott) (Entered: 09/19/2012)

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99 Sept. 20, 2012

JOINT MOTION to Set Briefing Schedule re 59 MOTION to Transfer Venue to the Central District of California by American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., Nathaniel Claybrooks, Michael Fleiss, Christopher Johnson, NZK Productions, Inc., Next Entertainment, Inc., Warner Horizon Television, Inc. (Tift, Scott) Modified on 9/21/2012 (rd). (Entered: 09/20/2012)

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100 Sept. 24, 2012

ORDER: The parties' 99 Joint Motion to Set Briefing Schedule is GRANTED. Pltfs shall respond to defts' 59 Motion to Transfer Venue to the Central District of California by 10/23/12; defts may file a reply by 11/2/12. Signed by District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on 9/24/12. (DOCKET TEXT SUMMARY ONLY-ATTORNEYS MUST OPEN THE PDF AND READ THE ORDER.)(rd) (Entered: 09/24/2012)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Tennessee

Case Type(s):

Public Accommodations/ Contracting/ Organizational Discrimination

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 18, 2012

Closing Date: 2013

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

two African American men who unsuccessfully applied to be cast as The Bachelor in the ABC television program of the same name and, if the class is certified, all people of color who unsuccessfully applied to star in the role The Bachelor or The Bachelorette

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1981

State law

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Tennessee 3:12-cv-00388

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Recommended Citation