AMC Theatres Faces Lawsuit! Plus, Major Renovations Coming Soon?
AMC Theatres in Hot Water: Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Filed
AMC Theatres, the largest movie theater chain in the United States, is facing a lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging disability discrimination. The EEOC claims that AMC violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by allegedly forcing out a long-term employee with cerebral palsy after 22 years of service at their Owings Mills, Maryland location.
According to the complaint, Marc Gillis, the employee in question, was subjected to a hostile work environment under a new manager. The manager allegedly shouted at him, called him "slow," and reduced his working hours. Furthermore, the EEOC alleges that the manager refused to provide Gillis with reasonable accommodations, such as a ticket scanner with a strap and side button, and a large print version of the movie schedule, accommodations that had been previously provided.
The EEOC is seeking a court order requiring AMC to change its policies and practices to prevent future disability discrimination, as well as backpay and additional compensation for Mr. Gillis. AMC has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.
Meanwhile, AMC Plans a Major Upgrade in Tysons Corner
Despite the legal troubles, AMC Theatres is also moving forward with significant renovations at its Tysons Corner Center location in Virginia. The planned $5 million renovation, expected to begin in 2026, will include replacing the existing stadium-style seating with reclining chairs in most auditoriums. The IMAX and Dolby screen rooms are excluded, as those have already been updated.
Other planned improvements include new floor and wall finishes throughout the theater and a relocation of the bar area within the lobby. The theater will remain open during the renovation process. An AMC spokesperson has stated that more information about the renovations will be shared closer to the completion date, expected sometime in 2026.
AMC Theatres has been a fixture at Tysons Corner Center since 2005, and these upgrades are aimed at enhancing the moviegoing experience for its patrons.