Daniel McKenna’s Peloton Lawsuit: Allegations, Damages, and Outcome

The Daniel McKenna Peloton lawsuit was a $1.8 million discrimination and wrongful termination case filed in New York State Supreme Court in October 2022 and resolved less than two months later, when McKenna withdrew his claims with prejudice on December 2, 2022, after reaching a settlement with the company. The financial terms were not publicly disclosed.¹

McKenna, an Irish-born instructor known as the “Irish Yank,” earned a reported $260,000 annually at Peloton and taught his final class on September 11, 2022. He was fired the next day.²³ His complaint, filed October 12, 2022, in Manhattan, named Peloton and Chief Content Officer Jennifer Cotter as defendants and alleged violations of the New York City Human Rights Law.⁴

What McKenna Alleged

National Origin Discrimination

The complaint said Cotter repeatedly mocked McKenna’s Irish accent and nationality, telling him “nobody understands what you are saying” and asking whether he was drunk during staff meetings and Zoom calls. McKenna also alleged Cotter introduced him to CEO Barry McCarthy as “our Irish instructor” who was “rough around the edges and hard to understand but the members love him.” When McKenna raised the alcohol stereotype, Cotter allegedly called it a joke and did not apologize.⁴³

Disability and Medical Leave

McKenna alleged he sought a medical exemption from Peloton’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in October 2021 because of a recent operation, and that Cotter “categorically denied” exploring the exemption. After he received the vaccine, the company required a 14-day quarantine despite negative tests.⁵

In April 2022, McKenna took short-term disability leave after surgery for a torn pectoral muscle. According to the complaint, Cotter told him disability leave was “at odds with the culture of ‘corporate America'” and that he was on “thin ice.”²

Wrongful Termination and Breach of Contract

Peloton classified McKenna’s September 12, 2022 termination as “for cause.” His lawsuit argued the company gave no detailed factual explanation and no prior written warnings, pointing to contract language stating that “no Cause shall exist unless the Company has provided written notice to you describing in detail such Cause conduct.” The complaint also said Peloton discussed a $130,000 severance package covering six months’ pay but that the actual written offer came in significantly lower. McKenna rejected it.⁵⁴

Damages Sought

McKenna sought roughly $1.8 million, broken into $300,000 in compensatory damages for emotional distress and pain and suffering, $500,000 in back pay, front pay, benefits, and interest, and $1,000,000 in punitive damages. The complaint cited mental distress and career harm.²

How the Case Ended

On December 2, 2022, the parties filed a stipulation under CPLR § 3217(a)(2) withdrawing, dismissing, and discontinuing all claims with prejudice. McKenna cannot refile the same claims against Peloton. Each side bore its own costs and attorneys’ fees, and the settlement’s financial terms were not made public.¹

Peloton’s Senior Vice President of Global Communications, Ben Boyd, said the company was “pleased” McKenna had withdrawn the lawsuit and that “Peloton and Jen vehemently denied, and intended to vigorously defend against, the allegations.” After the dismissal, all of McKenna’s previously recorded classes were removed from the Peloton platform.¹

What McKenna Did Next

McKenna launched the Irish Yank Fitness App on September 13, 2023, one day after his one-year non-compete with Peloton would have expired. The app offers strength-focused workouts and is priced at $14.99 monthly or $99.99 annually.⁶

1
Pelobuddy. Daniel McKenna Lawsuit Withdrawn
2
The Guardian. Peloton Lawsuit Discrimination Daniel McKenna Instructor
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CBS News. Peloton Lawsuit Daniel McKenna Discrimination Termination
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NBC News. Popular Ex-Peloton Instructor Alleges Executive Mocked Irish Heritage
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People. Fired Peloton Trainer Daniel McKenna Files Lawsuit Against Company
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Pelobuddy. Daniel McKenna App