Former “Q101” WKQX Chicago morning show producer and co-host Justin Nettlebeck has filed a suit against Cumulus Media claiming that while employed by the company he was “subjected to harassment and discriminatory treatment on the basis of his gender, including sexual harassment, as well as retaliation based on his opposition to the harassment and discrimination he suffered. After Plaintiff complained and/or protested the discriminatory treatment Defendant retaliated by constructively terminating his employment.”

Nettlebeck worked at WKQX from November 2018 until his resignation in April 2023. During his tenure, Nettlebeck alleges that he was subjected by then-Cumulus VP/Rock Formats and WKQX Program Director Troy Hanson engaged in abusive and discriminatory behavior including graphic sexual remarks about female employees, showing him explicit images in places where he could not avoid them and made sexually-oriented insults towards him.

Nettlebeck says he reported Hanson’s behavior to VP/Market Manager Marv Nyren on at least six occasions after which he claims Hanson threatened to kill himself if reported to human resources, withheld resources from the show, made threatening remarks and gestures, and harassing Nettlebeck about his work and performance during live broadcasts damaging his reputation.

Nettlebeck would resign from WKQX in April 2023, with Hanson exiting the company the following week. Prior to joining the station, Nettlebeck served as a producer of the syndicated “Free Beer & Hot Wings”, Executive Producer of “Marco, Jackie & Moote” at KLCK Seattle and producer of “Fitz in the Morning” at KKWF Seattle.

The lawsuit was filed in December after Nettlebeck filed charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Illinois Department of Human Rights. He seeks a trial by jury with relief including all wages and benefits he would have received but for the discrimination, compensation, costs, reasonable attorney’s fees, and such other relief as the Court deems equitable and just.