Early last month, former News Talk 98.9 The Roar of Memphis morning host Bob Boccia — known as “Sideshow Bob” — sued Cumulus Media claiming he was discriminated against after refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The company has now denied any wrongdoing.
Boccia claimed that due to suffering from Crohn’s Disease and his status as a “devout Catholic” should have given him both a medical and religious exemption. However, Cumulus claims the host never sought an exemption from its vaccine, and alleges it never agreed that he wouldn’t be required to take the shot.
The company says it provided Boccia with reasonable accommodation, but it could not give an exemption to him without altering the safety of other employees. It went on to say that Boccia, who was ultimately fired for refusing the vaccine, was let go “for legitimate business reasons based on safety requirements which are job-related and consistent with business necessity”.
The former morning host is seeking damages of at least $75,000 after he claims his contract was breached. Cumulus argues that because Boccia has received income from other avenues since his departure, he has simply failed to seek employment as part of a ploy to garner sympathy for the suit.
