Medieval Times faces lawsuits over workplace culture and conduct

Former employees of the dinner theater chain Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament have filed lawsuits alleging a workplace culture marked by sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation. The legal actions follow a period of labor unrest at the company, which operates 10 locations across the United States and Canada.

Kaitlyn Farrell, a former performer who portrayed the Queen at the company's Buena Park, California, location, alleged in a 2026 lawsuit that she was subjected to cyberbullying, doxxing, and physical harassment. Farrell claimed that a manager directed a staff member to remove stitching from her costume, which she described as calculated sabotage intended to cause a malfunction during a live performance.

Other former staff members have also raised concerns regarding the company's internal environment. Former stable hand Erin Zapcic stated she could not remain with the company due to the alleged mistreatment of staff and animals. Additionally, former lord chancellor Sean Quigley characterized the workplace atmosphere as having a knights will be knights mindset.

The allegations emerge following a nine-month strike that concluded without a new contract. While the union involved in the labor dispute disbanded in March 2024, the company continues to face public scrutiny. Former knight Bill Elliot has publicly disputed the claims made by former employees, describing them as false and noting that staff had the option to leave if they found the environment toxic.

Medieval Times has not responded to requests for comment regarding the recent litigation. The company previously secured a legal victory in February 2026 in a separate case involving the National Labor Relations Board regarding allegations of retaliation.