Former Disney cast member sued after being forced to work with allergens and fired for lupus medical leave

A former Disney actress is suing the company for wrongfully firing her after she complained that her lupus condition and cinnamon allergy were ignored at work.

Former Disney actor sues for wrongful termination

Serena Pina-Walker, 23, filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging wrongful termination, whistleblower retaliation, harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She is seeking unspecified damages as well as punitive damages. Her place of work has not been clarified, but based on the filing in Los Angeles, it is likely that she worked at the Disneyland Resort.

Disney hired Pina-Walker in October 2022. She later revealed her allergy to cinnamon and then that she had a form of lupus.

In February 2023, Pina-Walker was assigned to a kitchen that served cinnamon pretzels. The lawsuit states that a manager thought she was exaggerating her allergy and told her to either work on site or go home without pay.

Pina-Walker wore a mask while working near the cinnamon but developed breathing problems and hives. A Disney nurse examined her and recommended she go home. The manager then allegedly asked the plaintiff, “Do you really have to go home?”

The lawsuit says another boss told colleagues he didn’t believe Pina-Walker actually had lupus.

Pina-Walker complained to human resources about the mistreatment. Shortly thereafter, she was charged with medical absenteeism. She was also allegedly reprimanded for having to work in a cold environment, which can trigger lupus symptoms.

Although supervisors knew her absences were medical leave related to her lupus, Pina-Walker was suspended upon returning from medical leave and fired in June 2023.

The lawsuit says Pina-Walker suffered from lost wages and emotional distress.

A Disney representative did not immediately respond to MyNewsLA’s request for comment.

Disney is also facing an allergy-related lawsuit in Florida over a guest who suffered a fatal allergic reaction after dining at Raglan Road in Disney Springs.

Source: MyNewsLA

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Shannen Ace