The former CEO of newsman Bill Kurtis’ Tallgrass Beef Co. has filed suit against him and the company for back pay. Crain’s Chicago Business reports that James Whitney sued Kurtis and Tallgrass Beef Co. LLC, alleging he has not received “significant amounts” of back wages and expenses. He was CEO and chief financial officer from December 2008 through 2011, according to his complaint, filed Oct. 11 in federal court in Chicago.

Kurtis replied that Whitney was let go as part of a downsizing.

There are many things that happened, but I can't comment,” Kurtis said. He said he was not aware of the lawsuit.

A North Carolina marketing firm also is a plaintiff in the lawsuit. The firm, Bloom Agency Inc., put together a marketing plan and designed Tallgrass Beef's website but never was paid, according to the complaint. Both Whitney and Bloom allege they have suffered more than $75,000 in damages. Bloom makes a claim only against Tallgrass, not Kurtis.

Source: Crain’s Chicago Business