At Tesla’s California trial over alleged racial harassment at its Fremont factory, Tesla’s lawyer argued the N-word can be a term of respect and endearment in some Black communities. A judge will decide whether Tesla violated state civil-rights laws without a jury.
The California Civil Rights Department’s February 2022 lawsuit alleges Black employees faced daily bullying by supervisors, pay disparities, unequal access to promotions and higher termination rates than white workers; it also alleges racial segregation at the factory. Worker complaints accused plant management of routinely using the slur and calling rank-and-file employees “slaves.” The department says swastikas and racist graffiti repeatedly appeared in common areas.
On Sept. 21, Tesla lawyer Tyree P. Jones Jr. cited Kanye West and Jay-Z lyrics in his opening statement. He said Tesla has “don’t do stupid stuff” policies and disciplines misconduct, and pointed to 20,000 jobs the company brought to Fremont. The trial is scheduled to continue through Oct. 30.
