Pinball Pete's Sued for Refusing to Hire 'Petite' Woman

East Lansing arcade faces lawsuit over alleged gender discrimination in hiring practices

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A local woman has filed a lawsuit against the owners of Pinball Pete's arcade in East Lansing, Michigan, alleging she was denied a job application for a closing shift position because of her gender and "petite" body size. The woman, Melissa Rill, claims a manager told her the position was only for men due to concerns about "drunk" male customers, a violation of state civil rights laws.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing challenges around gender discrimination in hiring, particularly in industries like the service and entertainment sectors where employers may hold outdated views about the capabilities of women. The lawsuit could set an important legal precedent and send a message that such discriminatory practices are unacceptable.

The details

According to the lawsuit, in May 2024 Rill, a 46-year-old East Lansing resident, attempted to apply for a closing shift position at Pinball Pete's. However, the hiring manager, Jeffrey Piotter, refused to provide her with an application, stating that he only hires men for evening/night shifts due to concerns about "drunk" male customers and what "they'd do" to a woman. Piotter allegedly told Rill that the position was not "a good position for someone small like you" and that he would only accept applications from Rill's son or husband.

  • In May 2024, Rill attempted to apply for the closing shift position at Pinball Pete's.
  • On February 12, 2026, Rill filed a lawsuit against Pinball Pete's owner 3TM, Inc. in Ingham County Circuit Court.

The players

Melissa Rill

A 46-year-old East Lansing resident who filed a lawsuit against Pinball Pete's for refusing to allow her to apply for a closing shift position due to her gender and body size.

Pinball Pete's

A long-time entertainment arcade and gaming business located in East Lansing, Michigan, owned by 3TM, Inc.

Jeffrey Piotter

The hiring manager at Pinball Pete's who allegedly refused to allow Rill to apply for the closing shift position because she is a woman.

Tad Roumayah

The attorney representing Melissa Rill in the lawsuit against Pinball Pete's.

3TM, Inc.

The company that owns and operates the Pinball Pete's arcade in East Lansing.

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What they’re saying

“Michigan law plainly prohibits employers from refusing to hire someone because of their gender. Pinball Pete's stated position that it only hires men for the closing shift position is direct evidence of unlawful discrimination. Our client was qualified for the position and denied the job solely because she is a woman, in direct violation of her civil rights. We intend to hold the company accountable and to send a message that discriminatory hiring practices have no place in our communities.”

— Tad Roumayah, Attorney representing Melissa Rill

“To be honest... Now, I'm skirting the law a little here, but honestly, I wouldn't let my daughter close this place up. These are drunk men, and you don't know what's out there or what they'd do to you. I typically hire guys for evening/night positions.”

— Jeffrey Piotter, Pinball Pete's Hiring Manager

“I'm really sorry. It's just not a good position for someone small like you. I only hire males for this position.”

— Jeffrey Piotter, Pinball Pete's Hiring Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit against Pinball Pete's to proceed.

The takeaway

This lawsuit serves as a reminder that gender discrimination in hiring remains an issue, even in traditionally male-dominated industries. Businesses must be vigilant in upholding equal employment laws and considering all qualified applicants, regardless of gender or physical stature.