MGM Grand Detroit Sued by Ex-Security Officer Who Says Cerebral Palsy Led to Firing

Posted on: June 9, 2026, 06:25h. 

Last updated on: June 10, 2026, 04:31h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.
  • Former security officer claims years of disability-based workplace harassment
  • Lawsuit alleges MGM denied accommodations during critical investigation
  • Plaintiff says casino used false allegations to justify firing

A disabled former security officer at MGM Grand Detroit has sued the casino, alleging he was subjected to years of disability-related harassment before being fired following what he describes as a flawed internal investigation.

MGM Grand Detroit, Donald Hall III, disability discrimination, cerebral palsy, wrongful termination, ADA lawsuit
A man with cerebral palsy claims co-workers at the MGM Grand Detroit, above, publicly mocked his disability, with one allegedly calling him “a disease.” (Image: Shutterstock)

Donald Hall III, who worked at the casino for nearly 12 years, claims managers and coworkers mocked his cerebral palsy and speech impairment, ridiculed his ability to perform his job, and treated him as less capable because of his disability.

Hall also has epilepsy, which the lawsuit says has been controlled with medication for more than a decade.

According to the complaint, MGM was aware of Hall’s condition from the beginning of his employment and had previously granted workplace accommodations, including additional testing time and communication assistance.

Hall alleges that despite receiving positive performance reviews during his tenure, the harassment persisted and, at times, intensified.

‘Publicly Mocked’

In one incident in late 2022, another security officer allegedly mocked Hall’s disability in front of about 30 colleagues and questioned his ability to do his job, according to the lawsuit. Hall says he complained but was pressured by management to drop the matter.

Tensions escalated in August 2023, Hall claims, when an assistant security manager allegedly referred to him as “a disease.”

After reporting the comment, Hall says he found himself at the center of a workplace dispute that ultimately led to harassment allegations being made against him by another employee.

Hall alleges MGM refused to tell him exactly what he was accused of, both when seeking a written statement and later after placing him on suspension pending an investigation.

During that investigation, Hall says he requested accommodations because his speech impairment made telephone communication difficult. He sought interpreter assistance and other measures to help him understand and participate in the process, but MGM denied the requests, according to the lawsuit.

Banned from Premises

The complaint further alleges that while Hall was suspended, the casino posted his employee photograph at security stations and instructed staff that he was not permitted on the property, a move Hall says humiliated and stigmatized him before the investigation was complete.

MGM terminated Hall’s employment on Sept. 5, 2023, citing violations of workplace conduct and harassment policies. Hall denies the allegations and claims the investigation was used as a pretext to remove him after years of disability-related hostility, complaints about discrimination, and requests for accommodation.

The lawsuit seeks back pay, reinstatement or front pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages where available, and attorneys’ fees.

MGM has yet to file a response to the suit. Casino.org has reached out to the company, which has a policy of not commenting on pending litigation.