Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Tesla Whistleblower Accuses Elon Musk of “Evil” Conduct in Defamation Lawsuit
A former Tesla engineer has publicly described Elon Musk as “pure evil” and is seeking a courtroom confrontation with the technology magnate. Cristina Balan, previously employed by the electric vehicle manufacturer, claims she was unfairly dismissed after raising safety concerns about a potential design flaw affecting vehicle braking systems. This week, a California appeals court revived her defamation lawsuit against the electric car company, overturning a prior decision to dismiss the case.
Accusations of Retaliation and Intimidation
Speaking to Times Radio, Balan stated, “I initiated this legal action to demonstrate my innocence and expose the vindictive nature of this individual. He is pure evil.” She recounted her initial positive experience at Tesla, noting her contributions were once so valued that her initials were inscribed on Model S batteries. However, Balan alleges that after informing Musk in 2014 about floor mats curling under pedals, she was summoned to a meeting and pressured to resign.
Claims of Suppressed Employee Concerns
Balan asserts that despite Musk’s encouragement for employees to directly email him with issues, “90% of those who did were subsequently terminated.” After her safety concerns were eventually acknowledged, she was granted a meeting with Tesla’s HR and legal departments, where she contends she was coerced into resigning.
“Forced Resignation” and Alleged Company Pressure
According to Balan, “They compelled me to resign. I was told that if I didn’t resign immediately, my entire team would face deportation, as the entire Tesla interior team supported my position.” She further claimed, “Tesla’s strategy, orchestrated by the legal department, was to persuade the entire team and myself to abandon the internal investigation initiated to address a critical safety issue.”
Concerns Over Widespread Vehicle Defects
Balan indicated that her braking system concerns were not isolated, stating she had emailed Musk about numerous issues. “We were encountering hundreds of defects per vehicle and dispatching cars in that condition, fully aware of the extensive [number of] defects,” she declared.
Wrongful Dismissal and Embezzlement Allegations
While Balan previously won a wrongful dismissal claim, Tesla publicly accused her of misusing company resources for a “clandestine project,” allegations that, if substantiated, could constitute embezzlement. Balan, who is currently in remission from stage-3B breast cancer, has consistently asserted her innocence and initiated a defamation case against the EV firm in 2019.
Court Reinstates Defamation Lawsuit
The former engineer’s defamation claims were initially rejected by the court. However, judges from the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently ruled in her favor, effectively reinstating the lawsuit on Thursday.
Potential Arbitration and Future Legal Proceedings
It is anticipated that any future legal proceedings may be subject to an arbitration process, based on a contractual agreement Balan signed during her Tesla employment. Consequently, the prospect of Balan confronting Musk in open court may still be distant.