Key Takeaways

  • Ojinika Obiekwe’s lawsuit against PIX 11 is now in trial.
  • She alleges retaliation for speaking out against racism and discrimination.
  • Obiekwe claims she was unfairly terminated after her promotion.
  • PIX 11 denies the allegations made by Obiekwe.

Background of the Case

Ojinika Obiekwe, a long-serving entertainment anchor at PIX 11, has taken her retaliation lawsuit to trial against the local news station and its parent company, Nextar. The case began in front of a judge last week.

In her lawsuit filed in 2025, Obiekwe claims she was fired for voicing concerns about racism and discrimination within the workplace. Jury selection commenced on July 13, and she provided her testimony on two occasions, concluding on July 15.

Details of the Allegations

Obiekwe, who joined PIX 11 as an intern in 2001 and became the entertainment anchor in 2017, alleges that after her promotion, she was burdened with the workload of multiple roles, including that of a Segment Producer and Copy Editor. She asserts that her male counterparts at Nextar’s sister stations received higher pay despite having fewer responsibilities.

In her lawsuit, she expressed frustration over the disproportionate workload, stating, “All that’s left for me to do at this point is pick cotton.” This remark highlights her feelings about the expectations placed on her.

Termination and Legal Proceedings

Obiekwe was terminated in 2022, with the station citing alleged insubordination and failure to perform job duties as reasons for her dismissal. Following her termination, she engaged legal representation from Eric Abrams, who stated that the case centers on retaliation rather than discrimination.

During her testimony, Obiekwe spoke candidly about her experiences, and several past and current employees of PIX 11 have testified in support of her claims. The station has faced scrutiny this year, having dismissed four popular news anchors.

Station’s Response

PIX 11 has firmly denied the allegations put forth by Obiekwe, maintaining that their actions were justified. The trial continues as both sides present their arguments.