Bree Smith Lawsuit, TV Meteorologist Sues NewsChannel 5 for Gender Discrimination, Deepfake Harassment
Former Nashville meteorologist Bree Smith filed a federal lawsuit December 29, 2025 against NewsChannel 5 and owner Scripps alleging gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. Smith claims colleague Henry Rothenberg told her “You only got your job because of your [breasts]” and that management refused to intervene when she was harassed with deepfake images. NewsChannel 5 denies all allegations.
What Bree Smith Alleges
Smith worked as a meteorologist at NewsChannel 5 (WTVF) in Nashville for nine years before leaving in January 2025. Her lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court makes several key allegations:
Sexual Harassment by Colleague
- Weather forecaster Henry Rothenberg allegedly told Smith in 2017 she only got her job because of her breasts
- In 2019, Rothenberg allegedly called multiple women a derogatory, sexist slur both privately and publicly
- Rothenberg allegedly made comments about Smith’s pregnancy and emotions in 2017
Deepfake Harassment
- Station managers “refused to intervene” when Smith was harassed with deepfake images
- This was “the last straw” that pushed her to leave because she “could no longer withstand the harmful effects of her work environment”
- Hundreds of fake accounts used AI-generated images of her face on semi-nude bodies
Gender Discrimination
- Women anchors required to wear fake eyelashes and attend style consultations with media consultants
- Male on-air personnel had no such requirements
- Station increased Smith’s workload to compensate for male colleagues’ “failures and absences”
Retaliation
- After filing complaints, supervisors removed Smith’s community engagement responsibilities
- Removed her scheduling duties for the station’s meteorologists
- Required her to submit weekly emails documenting completed work
The Deepfake Crisis
In fall 2024, imposter accounts began using AI-generated deepfake images of Smith’s face on semi-nude bodies. The accounts:
- Appeared on Facebook and Instagram
- Offered “private dinners” and “intimate acts” for hundreds of dollars
- Solicited money for hotel stays
- Asked for personal information
- Promised sexual acts in exchange for payment
Smith tracked new fake accounts in a Google spreadsheet—adding 24 accounts in just one week among hundreds total.
“I cry myself to sleep most nights, mostly because I don’t want my kids to see me,” Smith, 43, told CBS News.
What NewsChannel 5 Says
The station strongly denies all allegations. In a statement issued January 3, 2026, NewsChannel 5 said:
“We strongly disagree with the characterizations brought by Bree Smith’s legal team and plan to aggressively defend ourselves. Prior to her abrupt departure, we were actively working with Bree to continue her tenure with our award-winning team at NewsChannel 5.”
The station claims it:
- Was negotiating to renew Smith’s contract
- Investigated any concerns Smith raised “thoroughly”
- Took appropriate action
- Created a positive work environment
“The facts will show the station took appropriate action and Bree’s lawsuit against the station is without merit,” the statement said.
What About Henry Rothenberg?
Rothenberg, who joined NewsChannel 5 in 2016, has not publicly commented. He did not respond to reporters’ messages.
The lawsuit alleges after Smith filed complaints about Rothenberg’s conduct, the station conducted only a “sham investigation” by a Scripps employee that resulted in “no adverse consequences” for Rothenberg.
Case Details
Case Name: Bree Smith v. NewsChannel 5, The E.W. Scripps Company Case Number: Not yet publicly available Court: U.S. District Court (likely Middle District of Tennessee) Filed: December 29, 2025 Legal Claims: Gender discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation Attorneys for Smith: John Spragens and David Kieley
Smith’s Background and Advocacy
Smith worked at NewsChannel 5 for nine years before her contract ended January 10, 2025. Her departure was abrupt—no on-air goodbye, no advance warning to viewers.
Since leaving, Smith became a vocal advocate for anti-deepfake legislation. She testified before the Tennessee House Criminal Justice Subcommittee in March 2025 about her experience.
In May 2025, Tennessee passed the “Preventing Deepfake Images Act,” which Smith strongly supported. The law:
- Makes it a felony to publish fake AI-images with intent to harm someone’s reputation
- Allows victims to file civil suits against deepfake creators
- Permits victims to seek restraining orders
Governor Bill Lee signed the bill into law.
How EEOC Was Involved
Smith received a Notice of Right to Sue from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in September 2025, indicating the end of possible administrative remedies for her complaints.
This notice gave Smith the legal right to proceed with her federal lawsuit.
What Happens Next
Discovery Phase Both sides will exchange evidence, take depositions, and build their cases.
Motions NewsChannel 5 may file motions to dismiss some or all claims.
Settlement Discussions The parties may engage in settlement negotiations.
Trial If no settlement, the case proceeds to trial where a jury will decide.
Timeline Employment discrimination cases typically take 1-3 years to resolve.
Similar Cases in Media Industry
Smith’s lawsuit joins other high-profile cases of women in media facing harassment and discrimination:
- Multiple Fox News settlements for sexual harassment
- CBS settlements with former employees
- NBC settlements related to workplace misconduct
Her case is unusual in that it specifically addresses deepfake harassment—a relatively new form of harm.
What Smith Wants
The lawsuit seeks:
- Compensatory damages for emotional distress and lost wages
- Punitive damages to punish the defendants
- Attorney’s fees and costs
- A court order requiring NewsChannel 5 to change its policies
Specific dollar amounts have not been disclosed.
Impact on Journalism Industry
This case highlights several issues facing women in broadcasting:
Appearance Standards The double standard where women face strict appearance requirements while men don’t.
Workplace Harassment How complaints are handled (or not handled) by management.
Deepfake Vulnerability Public figures, especially women, face new AI-generated harassment with limited legal recourse.
Retaliation Employees who complain about harassment often face professional consequences.
Tennessee’s Deepfake Law
Thanks partly to Smith’s advocacy, Tennessee now has one of the strongest anti-deepfake laws in the nation. The law provides:
Criminal Penalties:
- Felony charge for publishing non-consensual deepfakes
- Additional jail time if images facilitate violence or interfere with government
- Fines and imprisonment
Civil Remedies:
- Victims can sue creators
- Restraining orders available
- Injunctions to stop continued distribution
Related article: Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit Settled, $50M Sexual Assault Case Resolved, ESPN Cuts Ties After Settlement
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the lawsuit been settled?
No. The case was just filed December 29, 2025 and is in early stages.
Will there be a trial?
Unknown. Many employment discrimination cases settle before trial.
Can Smith win?
She must prove gender discrimination and harassment occurred, and that the station’s response was inadequate. NewsChannel 5 will argue they investigated and took appropriate action.
What evidence exists?
The lawsuit cites specific incidents, dates, and statements. Discovery will reveal emails, texts, investigative reports, and witness testimony.
Why did Smith wait until after leaving to sue?
She received her EEOC Right to Sue letter in September 2025, allowing her to file. Many employees wait until after employment ends to avoid retaliation.
What about the deepfake creators?
Smith can pursue separate legal action against those who created the deepfakes under Tennessee’s new law.
Is Rothenberg being sued personally?
The lawsuit names NewsChannel 5 and Scripps as defendants, not Rothenberg individually. However, his alleged conduct is central to the claims.
Will this affect Smith’s career?
Possibly. Whistleblowers sometimes face industry backlash, though Smith has already built a new advocacy career around deepfake legislation.
This case is ongoing. Check back for updates as the litigation progresses.
Related Resources:
- Tennessee Preventing Deepfake Images Act
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (deepfake resources)
This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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