According to PWInsider.com, Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, the parent company of TNA Wrestling, filed a lawsuit against TNA Wrestling Hall of Famer Gail Kim on Saturday, January 10th, in The Nashville Chancery Court in Nashville, Tennessee. The lawsuit arises after Kim allegedly informed the company, following her exit in March of the previous year, that she believes she has legal claims against Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions (AWE) for violations of the Florida Private Whistleblower Act. AWE is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment.
The report provides some background, noting that Kim signed a contract with the company in September 2022. This contract included responsibilities in "talent relations, match production, and performer services," as well as duties to "identify and support new revenue, business, and growth opportunities for AWE." The contract was set to conclude at the end of 2024, after which both parties agreed to continue on a month-to-month basis.
At that point, Kim was categorized as an independent contractor, meaning she was non-exclusive and could provide services to other clients, although there were limitations, such as restrictions on offering wrestling services to any competitors.
The lawsuit states that Kim primarily worked in talent relations and production, and that she worked from home without being a full-time employee. During this time, she also undertook other independent projects such as "The Amazing Race Canada" and "The Traitors Canada". Her relationship with the company ended in March when Anthem made a "strategic decision to restructure."
Anthem asserts that, as Kim was an independent contractor, she has no "legally cognizable claims" against them based on Florida law. They are requesting that the court declare that all disputes between Kim and Anthem be governed by Tennessee law, which would prevent her from asserting claims based on alleged violations of Florida state statutes.
Additionally, they are seeking court confirmation that Kim is an independent contractor, thereby invalidating any claims she has made related to the Florida Private Whistleblower Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Finally, they are requesting compensation for reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs.
The lawsuit does not specify the details of the alleged violations and claims that all issues between the two parties should be governed by Tennessee law, thus excluding Florida whistleblower law. As of now, it is unclear whether Kim has been served with the lawsuit, and no court dates have been listed in the case docket.
