Jay Ong, Disney’s head of gaming sues for discrimination

Jay Ong, the Head of Disney’s Gaming Group responsible for iconic video games such as Spider-Man and Star Wars, is taking legal action against The Walt Disney Company for $40 million, alleging discrimination. Ong claims that the company reduced his bonus and incentive award, causing him harm. This reduction came after an HR executive contacted his executive coach without his consent.

In court documents obtained by The Post, Ong accused Natalia Strauch, HR VP of Disney Global Consumer Products, Game and Publishing, of attempting to gather negative information about him. Strauch allegedly claimed that Ong was not a good “cultural” fit for the company during a meeting in February 2025.

Despite generating revenues of half a billion dollars, Ong’s bonus was reduced from $367,117 in 2024 to $325,000 in 2025. His incentive bonus also saw a decrease from $770,000 to $620,000. Ong, whose base salary is $550,000, received a total compensation package in the millions for both 2024 and 2025.

According to the filing, Ong was informed that the bonus reduction was not based on his performance, with his performance being deemed “exceptional.” However, he was still subjected to a pay cut. The court documents state that Disney retaliated against Ong by lowering his compensation in an attempt to compel him to leave the company, despite recognizing his outstanding performance and his division’s profitability.

The filing further alleges that this mistreatment is part of a larger pattern at Disney, where individuals of Asian descent, like Ong, are discriminated against. Ong is seeking $40 million in damages for the alleged discrimination.

Ong’s LinkedIn profile indicates that he continues to work at Disney, overseeing Marvel Games, Lucasfilm Games, Disney & Pixar Games. He manages a global portfolio of renowned gaming brands, including Spider-Man, Star Wars, and Toy Story, among others. Ong focuses on establishing the strategic vision for the business and guiding his teams through mentorship and coaching.

Requests for comment from The Walt Disney Company regarding the lawsuit were not immediately returned. The case sheds light on the challenges faced by minority executives in the corporate world and the importance of addressing discrimination in the workplace.