Previously We Reported: No Wrongful Termination When Contract Not Renewed.

Actress brought suit for wrongful termination after her contract for a sixth season of a television show was not renewed. The trial court denied defendant’s motion for a directed verdict, and defendant sought extraordinary relief.  The Court of Appeal granted the petition, stating:  “A cause of action for wrongful termination in violation of public policy does not lie if an employer decides simply not to exercise an option to renew a contract.” (Touchstone Television Productions v. Sup.Ct. (Nicollette Sheridan) (2012) 208 Cal.App.4th 676 [145 Cal.Rptr.3d 766].)     Recent Developments: Battery Action Of Actress Against Producer May Proceed. Actress sued production company under Labor Code section 6310, alleging she was fired in retaliation for her complaint about a battery allegedly committed on her by the creator of a television series in which the actress had a part. The trial court sustained the production company’s demurrer to the actress’s complaint on the basis she failed to exhaust her administrative remedies by filing a claim with the Labor Commissioner as required by Labor Code sections 98.7 and 6312. The Court of Appeal concluded she was not required to file such a claim, and reversed and remanded the matter to the trial court (Sheridan v. Touchstone Television Productions, LLC (Cal. App. Second Dist., Div. 4; October 20, 2015) 241 Cal.App.4th 508 [193 Cal.Rptr.3d 811].)