The Walt Disney Co. has agreed to a $43.25 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit accusing the company of gender pay discrimination. The lawsuit, initially filed in 2019 by Disney employee LaRonda Rasmussen, claimed she was paid less than her male counterparts for the same role. The case expanded to include other female employees, and in December 2023, a California judge granted class certification.

The plaintiffs alleged that Disney's compensation practices, prior to 2018, systematically paid women lower starting salaries than men, in part due to basing salaries on previous pay, which reflected gender-based disparities. A labor economist's analysis revealed that from 2015 to 2022, women at Disney were paid 2.01% less than their male colleagues in similar positions. Although Disney denied the findings, it emphasized its commitment to fair pay.

The settlement, which is pending court approval, is expected to promote greater gender pay equity at Disney moving forward. Christine Webber, the plaintiffs' attorney, praised the women involved in the case and the impact of the settlement for future equality at the company