Coach fired over ‘Blurred Lines’ files complaint (UPDATE)

Listen to this article

MARSHFIELD, Wis. (AP) — A dance coach fired after her team performed to Robin Thicke’s popular but racy hit “Blurred Lines” has filed a discrimination complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

The complaint filed by former coach Lisa Joling says male coaches who allowed more egregious songs to be played in locker rooms or at school functions faced no penalties.

“I think the biggest thing for me is it has definitely affected my business,” Joling told News-Herald Media. “I’m a business owner in the community, and when the district released a statement saying that I was not fired because of the song, it affected my reputation.

“It seemed (termination) was a little extreme to me, considering there was never any warning or previous problems,” Joling said.

The coach was fired in September after the team performed to an edited version of “Blurred Lines” at the first home football game. The song was one of the biggest hits of 2013, topping the Billboard 100 chart for 12 weeks , but critics say its sexually suggestive lyrics perpetuate misogynistic attitudes toward women.

Marshfield School District Superintendent Peg Geegan said the district was reviewing Joling’s complaint.

“We are confident that the actions taken on behalf of the school district are consistent with legal standards and in the best interests of students,” Geegan said in an email Wednesday.

The district has declined to say why Joling was fired. A performance review done by Marshfield School District Athletic Director Nathan DeLany said Joling was a positive influence on the team during her year as coach.

Information from: News-Herald Media, http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com