Shrinking crew member sues WB over firing after alleged groping

Noah Miller 09/16/2026

The high-stakes world of television production often hides deeply uncomfortable truths, and when those truths surface, the resulting fallout can be explosive. A workplace dispute on the set of the hit comedy Shrinking has escalated into a major lawsuit, centering on serious allegations of sexual harassment and wrongful termination.

Mindy Tessa McKoin, a key second assistant director on the series, has filed suit against Warner Bros. Television and executive producer Randall Winston, seeking damages tied to her dismissal following her July 2026 departure. The legal challenge is not just about a paycheck; it delves into the dynamics of power, consent, and workplace conduct.

The core of the complaint stems from an alleged incident that occurred during the Season 2 wrap party on June 22, 2024. McKoin alleges that Winston approached her while she was at a bar and proceeded to grab and grope her left breast from behind without her permission. This action, she claims, set the stage for a protracted legal battle.

Following the alleged misconduct, McKoin reported the incident to her supervisor in late 2024 or early 2025. Despite receiving this report, the filing asserts that Warner Bros. failed to take any meaningful corrective action, reportedly choosing to keep the matter under the radar.

Adding complexity to the dispute is the timeline of McKoin’s employment. She contends that the termination was particularly contentious, as Winston reportedly continued working on Shrinking through Season 4, remaining on set as recently as July 8, 2026, just two days before McKoin lost her position.

McKoin further detailed a history of perceived unfair treatment during her time with the production, asserting that she was never disciplined or written up across her three seasons. The legal claim also touches on discrepancies regarding her compensation, with McKoin alleging that her timecard had been altered and that producers summoned her to private meetings to confront her regarding her behavior.

The dispute also involved McKoin challenging how her work and hours were officially recorded. She pushed back against production records that allegedly did not fully account for work performed across multiple productions. It was alleged that when she raised these concerns, the studio preferred to avoid making a “big deal” about the issue.

The lawsuit now targets Warner Bros. Television, Randall Winston, and several other defendants, seeking financial compensation for the alleged harm, including damages related to emotional distress and mental suffering. This legal action highlights the ongoing friction between creative freedom and professional accountability within the entertainment industry.