Tesla hit the headlines again on Monday as a federal jury awarded nearly $3.2 million in damages to a Black former worker, Owen Diaz, who was subjected to racial epithets and other abuses during his brief tenure at the company’s California factory. T
his marks the second time Diaz has won a trial against the electric vehicle maker for allowing him to be racially abused. The verdict is significantly lower than the $137 million he was awarded in the first trial, which was later reduced to $15 million.
Diaz’s attorney is seeking a third trial, citing Tesla’s legal team for prejudice against Diaz. This latest trial highlights the continuing racial discrimination allegations hanging over the automaker, run by billionaire Elon Musk, and raises questions about the company’s workplace culture.
