In a compelling legal battle that underscores ongoing issues of workplace discrimination, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major car rental company for alleged sex discrimination and retaliation. On December 3, 2025, Kiara Maddox initiated the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against The Hertz Corporation. The case highlights serious allegations of unequal pay and wrongful termination after Maddox’s repeated complaints about gender-based disparities were ignored.
According to the complaint, Maddox was employed by Hertz as a Client Services Manager I at their Hapeville, Georgia location from March 2017 until her termination in April 2025. Throughout her tenure, she reportedly excelled in her role without any negative performance reviews or disciplinary actions until she began voicing concerns over pay inequities and disparate treatment compared to her male colleagues. Despite carrying a heavier workload than her male counterpart D’Shun Horace, who allegedly shirked responsibilities and was paid approximately $5,000 more annually, Maddox’s grievances were met with indifference by management.
The lawsuit outlines how Maddox’s attempts to address these issues internally were not only ignored but seemingly retaliated against. After raising concerns about unequal pay and workload discrepancies with Supervisor Tiffany Cherry in February 2025, Maddox found herself facing sudden disciplinary action for standard practices that had been previously authorized by management. This included processing rentals under instructions from supervisors even when potential policy violations were involved—a practice that was allegedly common among other employees who did not face similar repercussions.
The complaint further details an abrupt shift in Maddox’s employment status following her protected complaints. On April 14, 2025, she received her first disciplinary warning in eight years for alleged rental violations—an action she immediately contested with Human Resources. Despite presenting evidence that these practices were sanctioned by higher-ups like Area Manager Jeremy McKeller and Branch Manager Timothy Hardaway, Hertz terminated her employment on April 18, citing policy violations and dishonesty.
Maddox’s lawsuit accuses Hertz of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act by engaging in sex discrimination and retaliation. She also brings claims under Georgia state law for negligent supervision/retention due to management’s failure to enforce consistent policies or provide adequate training.
In seeking justice through this legal action, Maddox demands various forms of relief including back pay with interest, front pay for lost future wages and benefits, compensatory damages for emotional distress and suffering, punitive damages to deter future misconduct by Hertz, as well as attorney’s fees and costs associated with the case.
Representing Maddox is attorney J. Stephen Mixon from The Mixon Law Firm based in Atlanta. The case is presided over by Judge SEG-AWH under Case ID: 1:25-cv-06914-SEG-AWH.
Source: 125cv06914_kiara_Maddox_v_The_Hertz_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf