Austin Theater Hammering Out Settlement Over Ladies-Only 'Wonder Woman' Screenings

AUSTIN, TX — Alamo Drafthouse theater officials are hammering out some sort of a settlement to satisfy discrimination complaints men made about a recent all-women screening of the "Wonder Woman" movie, according to a published report.

The Austin American-Statesman reported that theater officials, in a letter to the city, acknowledged their June screenings marketed as only open to women (in celebration for the feminist "Wonder Woman" ideal) were in violation of the city's equality laws.

The controversy garnered national headlines after a handful of men complained of the all-women screenings. What theater officials billed as simply a bonding opportunity for women thrilled to seeing a movie centered on a female superhero protagonist ("we’re embracing our girl power and saying no guys allowed," read one social media post) a few men took particular umbrage, voicing strident opposition to the marketing move.

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Arguably the most vocal opponent isn't even an Austin resident. Stephen Clark, an attorney in Albany, N.Y., asserted the all-women screenings violated the law as they were tantamount to sex discrimination in not admitting men. He cited municipal statutes restricting public accommodations from limiting its service based on race, gender and sexual orientation.

To settle the anti-discrimination complaints, theater officials have offered to send each of the men who complained a DVD of the film, the newspaper reported. But not all the men are open to the offer, according to the report. One has agreed to drop his complaint in exchange for a change in the theater's discrimination policies with a public apology on Facebook. Another reportedly is asking for $8,892, which is about three times the estimated value of tickets and concessions for the women-only screenings.

Negotiations are ongoing. According to the report, the city won't have any say in settlement terms and it's strictly between theater officials and complainants.

>>> Image via Alamo Drafthouse Ritz Theater