Hyperdrive
Tesla Racism Case Award Cut to $15 Million From $137 Million
- Judge concludes jury verdict on punitive damages was too high
- Company has faced multiple cases over racial abuse at factory
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A federal judge cut to $15 million a staggering $137 million in damages awarded by a jury in a racial discrimination case against Tesla Inc. over abusive conduct toward a former elevator operator at its northern California factory.
U.S. District Judge William Orrick said in a ruling Wednesday he was compelled by legal principles to reduce the jury’s October verdict, but he also concluded there was ample “disturbing” evidence to support the outcome of the trial.