Tesla racism case: Former worker rejects $15 million award
The worker's rejection of the substantially reduced $15 million award could mean a new trial in the case
A Black former Tesla worker, who said he was the victim of racial abuse, rejected a $15 million award after the amount was drastically reduced by a judge.
Owen Diaz, who worked as an elevator operator at Tesla's plant in Fremont, California, said he was faced with "daily racist epithets," including the "N-word."
A view of Tesla Inc's U.S. vehicle factory in Fremont, California. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton / Reuters Photos)
He was originally awarded $6.9 million in damages for emotional distress and $130 million in punitive damages in the case.
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A judge slashed that by nearly 90% to $15 million.
Diaz's rejection of the award could mean a new trial in the case.
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The Tesla logo is seen on a car in Los Angeles, California. (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson / Reuters Photos)
Diaz had alleged that employees drew swastikas and left racist graffiti and drawings around the plant and that supervisors failed to stop the abuse.
TESLA RAISES MODEL PRICES AMID GLOBAL SUPPLY-CHAIN SHORTAGE
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSLA | TESLA INC. | 352.56 | +12.92 | +3.80% |
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A representative for Tesla could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday night.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.