Former Outfest executive director Damien Navarro sues the organization
As a long-time supporter and attendee of Outfest, it’s disheartening to witness such a beloved institution entangled in legal disputes. Having attended numerous film festivals over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the power of cinema to bring communities together and foster understanding. Outfest, with its focus on LGBTQ+ stories, has always been a beacon of hope and representation for me.
The organization known as Outfest, which runs a well-known LA film festival for the LGBTQ+ community, is now embroiled in a defamation case initiated by its ex-director, Damien S. Navarro.
On a Friday, Navarro filed a lawsuit against Outfest in the Superior Court of Los Angeles, claiming he faced retribution when he voiced concerns about discrimination and ethical issues within the organization’s management.
In his court case, Navarro claimed that Outfest failed to address his concerns properly or carry out a thorough investigation. He alleged that he was kept out of important discussions, and further asserted that some board members disseminated false information regarding his job situation.
Furthermore, he contends that Outfest and their past and present board members unfairly pointed the finger at him for the organization’s financial difficulties, as reported in a Los Angeles Times article last year. Last year, the board of this non-profit chose not to renew Navarro’s contract.
In his lawsuit, Navarro claims that instead of accepting shared responsibility for Outfest’s financial troubles, the Board tended to falsely shift blame towards him. During the collapse of Outfest, it appears that certain Board members chose to blame Navarro and make him a fall guy for their own misconduct.
Outfest in a statement called Navarro’s claims “baseless and malicious.”
Regrettably, under Mr. Navarro’s tenure, the Outfest Board concluded that it was advantageous for the organization to hire a new executive director, according to their statement. This decision, which we continue to stand by as the optimal path forward, aims to address the situation effectively. We anticipate resolving this matter in due course through legal proceedings.
The ongoing legal dispute arises at a time when Outfest is battling a significant financial shortfall, resulting in them having only one employee – their interim executive director, Christopher Racster. Last year, the organization faced considerable turbulence and warned donors about its dire financial situation, stating it was on the brink of collapse and required $750,000 to stay afloat. Consequently, they had to let go of their staff, including those who chose to organize as a union.
Originating from a university project by UCLA alumni, Outfest has expanded over the years to draw thousands annually, particularly during its summer film festival – marking its 40th milestone in 2022.
Over time, the organization expanded into various sectors, introducing new programs such as the OutFronts, showcasing popular TV shows focusing on the LGBTQ+ community; its Legacy Awards, recognizing influential leaders and allies within the industry; and Outfest Fusion, a platform for voices of LGBTQ+ individuals of color.
According to a report from The Times last year, several individuals associated with Outfest’s management team expressed concerns about Navarro’s behavior in his role as executive director, suggesting that it may have played a part in the organization’s issues.
In the court case, Navarro claimed that the board members did not meet their personal targets for fundraising.
According to Navarro’s assertion, the Board was accused of faulting Navarro while neglecting their own underestimated promises. He further claimed that they disregarded his warnings about the necessity for tough actions like layoffs, and opted against hosting a significant fundraising event called the Legacy Awards.
As a cinema enthusiast, I’d express it this way: “According to my account, the institution wasn’t keen on rectifying matters internally. Instead, their intention seemed to be about ousting me.
Mike G. Rose, a board member, contested the assertion, explaining during an interview that the Legacy Awards couldn’t take place due to insufficient funds needed to cover the expenses.
“If you know you can’t pay the bill, you don’t hold the event,” he said.
As your friendly neighborhood movie critic, I’d put it this way: “Ever since I stepped into the role as a co-president of Outfest, I’ve been working diligently to tackle the financial chaos we inherited. Now, I’m proudly leading the charge in its rejuvenation.
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2024-10-14 23:01