Neurodivergent actor wins discrimination lawsuit regarding 'Billy Elliot' termination

A British Columbia's human rights tribunal has awarded a neurodivergent actor, who was diagnosed with sensory and learning disorders, more than $55,000 after finding that a theatre company discriminated against him because of his disabilities.

The actor, Maurice Kimball, was cast in the title role in 2017 at the Kelowna Actors Studio when he was 14 years old. But less than three weeks into the rehearsal period, his mother received an email from the theatre saying it was terminating the actor's employment.

The company's reasons for firing the actor are not outlined in the tribunal's decision, but tribunal member Andrew Robb wrote that the theatre "acknowledges that it did not meet its legal obligation to accommodate Mr. Kimball’s disabilities up to the point of undue hardship before terminating his employment."

Under the terms of the agreement, the theatre will pay the actor $35,000 for injury to his dignity, feelings, and self-respect; $18,998 for expenses incurred as a result of the discriminatory conduct; and $1,200 for lost wages, plus interest.

The tribunal says the discrimination has had a significant impact on the actor's mental health, affecting his future career plans, education, and his desire to continue performing.

The tribunal also ordered the Kelowna Actors Studio to implement sensitivity training and education in the workplace and adopt an employment equity program to accommodate those with learning and sensory disabilities in its classes and productions.