2 FAST 2 FURIOUS - UNIVERSAL RACISM CLAIM FAILS

UNIVERSAL RACISM CLAIM FAILS

A United States court has ruled that film studio Universal Pictures sacked a black first assistant director because he lacked experienced, not because of his race.

After Frank Davis was replaced from the set of 2 Fast 2 Furious in 2003, the assistant film-maker took up his case for unfair dismissal with the US equal employment opportunity commission (EEOC).

In a landmark dismissal case Universal had consistently claimed it had sacked Davis solely based on his poor portfolio of skills.

Today's ruling comes a month after Davis settled his claim with the film studio, but the EEOC had opted to continue his case.

LA judge Gary Allen Fees said the evidence presented in court "convincingly demonstrated" that Davis lacked the background and experience to succeed in his job, concluding that "inadequate performance, not race" was behind Universal's move to fire him.

The film studio's president Ron Meyer said the court decision represented "complete vindication for Universal and its employees".

A spokeswoman for the EOCC was understandably disappointed with the turn of events, but insisted that "despite today's decision, we hope individuals who feel discriminated against in Hollywood know that they can come forward to complain about discrimination".