Disney Executive Sues Company For $40 Million Over Harmful Discrimination

Posted by Jennifer Asencio | Published 28 seconds ago

The Disney Corporation has experienced a lot of turmoil so far this year. First, Bob Iger announced his retirement. Then his successor Josh D’Amaro overshadowed Dana Walden’s big promotion from Head of Entertainment to Chief Creative Officer. Now, Disney is being sued by another executive for racism.

The plaintiff is Jay Ong, Head of Disney Games Group. His job was to oversee the production, marketing, and sales of games that fell under the Disney umbrella. This does not only include Disney IP, such as toy Story games, but also Marvel and Star Wars games, such as Star Wars: The End of the Old Republicwhich was announced in December at the 2025 Game Awards. Disney Games is currently outperforming expectations, but Ong has taken a big payout in the form of bonuses and incentives.

Suspicious Payout Despite Stellar Performance

The problem began in February 2025, when HR Vice President Natalia Strauch told him in an evaluation meeting that he was not a “cultural fit” for the company. He was also told he was taking a pay cut, losing about $40,000 in bonuses and $150,000 in compensation. His work was called “unique,” but he was told he was taking a cut.

Meanwhile, he says in his suit, Strauch also contacted his head coach behind the scenes, which is against company policy. He says this connection led to a reduction in his bonus and allowances, and that Strauch was trying to “dig up dirt” on him.

Discrimination, Ong contends, faces Asian workers at Disney. He alleges that the meeting with Strauch, the communication with his head coach, and the reduction in compensation were all intended to embarrass him from the company. His claim says “such treatment is part of a wider pattern at Disney where those of Asian descent – the few Disney is willing to hire – are discriminated against.”

On this basis, Ong is suing Disney for $40 million.

Ong’s History of the House Of Mouse

Although Ong is not necessarily poor, the fact is that he has overseen the release of several successful Disney games during his tenure. Before managing Disney’s entire library of video games, he was the head of Marvel games for ten years. Since even HR has admitted that his performance in the position was “exceptional,” the House of Mouse will find itself in deep trouble if it turns out that it is actually discriminating against Ong and other Asian officials. It is clear that Ong’s treatment of the company was unfair, because the video game department is the only part of Disney that has not suffered from its recent leadership problems.

At this time, Ong still lists Disney as his current employer. However, Disney has seen many of its executives leave recently, and a discrimination suit could lead to yet another departure. However, this time, it was someone who was successful in his work, which led to the total loss of the Magic Kingdom.