Dr. Maria Ryan and former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani are suing WABC radio and station owner John Catsimatidis, alleging gender discrimination and wrongful termination after their recent firings.
The New York Post reported that Giuliani and Dr. Maria Ryan claim WABC unfairly dismissed them, facing criticism for alleged gender discrimination and unprofessional treatment.
Dr. Maria Ryan's tenure at WABC Radio began in 2021 and came to a controversial end in May 2024.
Initially volunteering her services, Ryan later accepted a paid position, yet she claims her remuneration of $200 per show was substantially less than her male counterparts. Ryan argues that this pay disparity highlights a broader atmosphere of gender discrimination at WABC.
During her employment, Ryan was reportedly compelled to prove her qualifications excessively to WABC President Chad Lopez, an ordeal she found both humiliating and discriminatory.
She recounts the devaluation of her professional opinion and an uncomfortable working environment, which ultimately led her to seek legal counsel regardless of personal embarrassment.
Ryan said, “I went to Chad Lopez and said, ‘I feel like this is a hostile work environment. My opinion isn’t valued,'" expressing the struggles that prompted her to consider legal action.
Parallel to Ryan's issues, Rudy Giuliani faced challenges at WABC, leading to his suspension and eventual dismissal.
Reports indicate that Giuliani did not comply with a request to return to a meeting, a critical misstep that resulted in the termination of his contract alongside Ryan’s. His departure has been marked by public statements of challenge and commitment to justice on behalf of Ryan.
Giuliani's attorney, Matthew Blit, presented the suit as a fight for justice, detailing that Giuliani and Ryan were facing retaliation for addressing injustices they experienced at the station.
“The only thing that changed since the day that they were on the air was that Dr. Ryan made a complaint of gender discrimination, and like on Sept. 11, Mayor Rudy courageously stood up for her, causing both to be unlawfully retaliated against,” Blit argued.
WABC and owner John Catsimatidis have flatly denied these accusations. Catsimatidis has even expressed enduring admiration for Giuliani despite the circumstances, remarking, “I have always admired Rudy Giuliani. We fight every 30 years,” which reflects his ongoing personal respect despite professional disputes.
The denial of different treatment at WABC was reiterated strongly by Catsimatidis himself: “Maria was not treated differently than any other WABC employee,” he stated, further stressing that “WABC radio paid Maria appropriately.”
This assertion places the station and its staff against the claims brought forward by Ryan and Giuliani in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit has stirred additional public interest as it touches on sensitive professional and personal boundaries. Ryan, distressed by rumors regarding her association with Giuliani, clarified their relationship: "It’s very insulting and it feeds into their narrative. We’re not only in a professional relationship, now we’re family friends."
Despite the turmoil, Catsimatidis continues to negotiate business deals with Giuliani's son, Andrew, suggesting that the legal conflicts have not severed professional relationships within Giuliani’s circle.
As the lawsuit progresses, both parties prepare to present their cases in court, with Ryan and Giuliani standing firm on their allegations, while WABC and Catsimatidis ready their defense against the claims of wrongful termination and discrimination.