A former executive at a health-focused media company claims he was subjected to discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination due to the color of his skin. The complaint was filed by Darryl Booker in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on March 27, 2026, naming Black Doctor, Inc. as the defendant.
According to the filing, Booker alleges that Black Doctor, Inc.—which describes itself as a leading health and wellness destination for Black people in America—engaged in unlawful employment practices in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal statutes. The lawsuit states that Booker is seeking relief for what he describes as ongoing color-based discrimination and harassment during his tenure with the company.
Booker began working at Black Doctor, Inc. as a National Account Director on November 28, 2023. Shortly after joining the company, he claims he experienced “severe aggression and hostility from BDO Leadership,” specifically from his manager Horace Clark and CEO Reggie Ware. The complaint states that Clark would “routinely curse, berate and humiliate Mr. Booker,” creating an intimidating work environment. It further alleges that both Clark and Ware would disparage Booker during staff meetings by questioning his intelligence and job performance.
The document details several incidents where Booker felt targeted because of his lighter skin tone compared to his supervisors: “you light skinned people think you can do anything,” Clark allegedly said after denying Booker’s attendance at a client event in October 2025. Booker asserts this statement revealed that “the harassment, bullying, and disparate treatment he had been experiencing was due to the color of his skin.” He also describes being pressured by Ware to mislead clients about the company’s media reach—a request he says compromised ethics—and facing retaliation fears when considering reporting these issues to human resources.
Booker states that after HR leadership changed in July 2025 (and again in September), he reported these hostilities but received no follow-up or remedial action. He claims this lack of response led to continued exclusion from company events and disparate treatment compared to peers.
In December 2025, according to the complaint, Black Doctor, Inc. conducted a market rate salary adjustment for employees holding similar positions. While salaries were posted publicly at $110,000–$130,000 for Booker’s role, his own salary was only raised from $95,000 to $100,000—whereas others reportedly received increases up to $115,000. After expressing disagreement with this decision based on his contributions to the company’s success, Booker was terminated in January 2026 under the stated reason that his position was being eliminated. He notes in the filing that he was assured performance played no role in this decision but contends he was “the only member of his team of National Account Directors to be terminated.”
The legal complaint outlines six counts: color discrimination under Title VII; harassment under Title VII; termination under Title VII; color discrimination under Section 1981; termination under Section 1981; and attorney’s fees due to alleged bad faith conduct by Black Doctor, Inc. In each count related to discrimination or harassment, Booker argues that Defendant’s actions were willful or carried out with reckless disregard for federally protected rights.
Booker seeks several forms of relief from the court: full back pay including lost wages and benefits; compensatory damages for mental anguish and diminished earning capacity; punitive damages; classification as eligible for rehire; attorney’s fees including expert witness costs; prejudgment and post-judgment interest; all other costs incurred; and any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case is identified as Case No.: 1:26-cv-01651-TWT-CCB. Jasmin B. Hughes of J. Hughes Law LLC is representing Darryl Booker as attorney for plaintiff.
Source: 126cv1651_Darryl_Booker_v_Black_Doctor_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
