Tony Peterson has filed a compelling lawsuit against his former employer, alleging racial and national origin discrimination, along with retaliatory termination. On December 1, 2025, Tony Peterson lodged a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Sonesta Chicago, LLC. The complaint details alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1871.
Peterson’s legal battle began after he was allegedly subjected to a hostile work environment by his direct supervisor at Sonesta Chicago, Executive Sous Chef Jeremy Caldwell. According to Peterson, Caldwell used racially and sexually derogatory language towards him, including racial slurs and threats of sexual violence. Despite raising these concerns with Sonesta management in March and July 2024, Peterson claims that no action was taken to address his complaints. Instead, on July 25, 2024, he was removed from work under the pretext of violating an anti-violence policy—a claim he insists is false and fabricated to conceal discriminatory motives. His employment was terminated on August 8, 2024.
The lawsuit outlines several counts against Sonesta Chicago. In Count I and II, Peterson accuses Sonesta of race discrimination under both Title VII and Section 1981. He asserts that non-Black employees were treated more favorably than him and that his job duties were reassigned to non-Black employees following his dismissal. Count III and IV focus on national origin discrimination under Title VII and Section 1981 respectively. Peterson argues that employees of different national origins received preferential treatment over him.
In Counts V and VI, Peterson alleges retaliation in violation of Title VII and Section 1981. He contends that his complaints about Caldwell’s behavior constituted protected activity under these laws but led to retaliatory actions by Sonesta culminating in his termination.
Peterson seeks comprehensive relief from the court: reinstatement or front pay if reinstatement is not feasible; back pay with interest; compensatory damages for emotional distress; punitive damages; coverage for legal costs including attorney fees; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing himself pro se in this case without listed attorneys or law firms involved yet as per available information—Peterson has presented a detailed account hoping for justice through this legal process. The case is overseen by Judge Jeffrey Cummings with Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain also involved under Case ID: 1:25-cv-14575.
Source: 125cv14575_Tony_Peterson_v_Sonesta_Chicago_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
