Toronto rallies behind axed reporter Tina Yazdani suing Rogers for $650,000

Former CityNews reporter Tina Yazdani has filed a lawsuit against Rogers Media, nearly two months after she was abruptly let go from the media corporation.

On May 28, a statement of claim was filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, naming Rogers Media and Rogers Communications as defendants.

It has already been reported that Yazdani is seeking more than $150,000 in compensation for lost wages, as well as $500,000 in punitive and moral damages.

On April 13, the longtime Queen's Park reporter announced that she was no longer employed by CityNews after covering provincial politics for the broadcaster since 2018. The news sent shockwaves through Ontario's political and media circles, where Yazdani had built a reputation for her persistent and balanced reporting.

Many viewers and readers came to respect Yazdani's journalism, often describing her as "tough but fair" in her coverage. She was also recognized as one of the few reporters regularly pressing the Ford government with detailed and challenging questions during media scrums.

On April 29, Yadzani made her first and only public statement about the firing.

"The way that my employment ended was unfair," she said. "I stand by all of the journalism that I did, I stand by all of my work – I am proud of the work I did. I am a strong believer in holding power to account and asking the tough questions."

Speculation circulated online about the reasons behind her dismissal. Some observers questioned whether her strict reporting on the Ford government played a role, particularly after two of her stories were pulled from the CityNews website. 

Meanwhile, support for Yazdani has been pouring in, with Toronto residents rallying behind her decision to take legal action against her former employer. 

She’s going to win this suit.

— Adam ⚾️ (@GradyTripp00) June 5, 2026

"Go Tina!!!! Kick their asses!" another supporter wrote on X, while another chimed, "Go Tina! Hope she gets more than that."

Others commend Yazdani for "speaking her truth."

Taking action and speaking her truth. Love it @TinaYazdani https://t.co/HOj5NVDhUs

— Nicole F Reuben (@NicoleFReuben) June 5, 2026

"Professional and honest journalism is hard to come by," one of Yazdani's supporters wrote on X.

I stand with @TinaYazdani! Professional and honest journalism is hard to come by.
Tina did it all, and attempted to hold Ontario's politicians to account. https://t.co/fr9MF2Etv2

— Wendy Goodes (@WendyGoodes) June 5, 2026

"In other words she did her f*cking job," another supporter wrote on X.

Fans of Yazdani remain confused and struggle to understand what journalistic line she allegedly crossed.

"If asking politicians questions and highlighting when they lie is against Roger's journalistic standards, what exactly are Roger's standards?" another wrote on X.

So she was terminated because she was GOOD AT HER JOB...Journalist are EXPECTED to be adversarial toward power, or else it's just state media!

— Bria (@luxewithoutdebt) June 5, 2026

Another resident called Yazdani one of the "top political reporters in the country."

this is stunning. @TinaYazdani is among the top political reporters in the country and I'm glad she's doing this. maybe a few more of us should do the same. https://t.co/w9QT97fWFm

— Jenn Jefferys (@JennJefferys) June 5, 2026

Meanwhile, another supporter points out the similarities happening at CBS with axed 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley.

Sounds like CBS and what they are doing to journalists ie) 60 Minutes

— Lori (@LoriinDurham) June 5, 2026

Despite her sudden exit from CityNews, Yazdani returned to the Queen's Park beat within weeks, joining political news outlet The Trillium on May 4.