Ex-WAPA reporter sues over gender bias, retaliation
Former WAPA-TV reporter Reina Mateo-Alvarado has filed a federal lawsuit against Televicentro de Puerto Rico LLC, alleging she was subjected to years of gender discrimination and retaliation that ended with her dismissal in December 2024.
The complaint, filed Oct. 9 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, names WAPA-TV and its insurer, Axis Insurance Co., as defendants. Mateo claims violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Puerto Rico employment laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and retaliation.
She is seeking reinstatement to her former position, compensatory damages of at least $600,000, and double damages under local statutes.
According to the 22-page filing, Mateo began working at WAPA-TV in 2018 after completing an internship at “Noticentro al Amanecer.” Over six years, she advanced through the newsroom, earning positive evaluations until her dismissal on Dec. 27, 2024.
Mateo alleges her termination was “the ultimate retaliatory act” after she repeatedly complained about unequal treatment and inappropriate comments from supervisors.
The lawsuit cites a former news director who allegedly said she looked “muy nena” (“too young, too girly)” to co-anchor a weekend newscast with a male colleague. Mateo claims male reporters were routinely given better on-air opportunities and promotions.
She also contends she received harsher discipline than male coworkers for similar conduct, was excluded from promotional campaigns, and denied basic benefits such as a parking space.
Mateo says she was “mocked and ridiculed” after a 2024 technical error caused an audio clip with profanity to air. She was suspended without pay, while male employees involved were not disciplined, according to the complaint.
The filing further accuses management of making inappropriate remarks about her appearance, assigning extra shifts without rest, and promoting less-experienced men instead of her. After her dismissal, she alleges the station continued using her image and likeness in promotions without consent.
The lawsuit demands a jury trial and cites violations of Title VII and Puerto Rico Acts 115, 100 and 69, along with breach of contract under the Civil Code. Her attorney, José G. Fagot-Díaz, also requested expedited proceedings.
“Defendant WAPA TV has willfully violated Title VII’s provisions by engaging in discriminatory employment practices and retaliation against Mateo on account of her gender,” the lawsuit states.
WAPA-TV declined to comment on the lawsuit.
