Biotech giant Genentech is going to have to pay nearly $250,000 in damages to an African-American worker who claimed he ended up being fired because of racism.
56-year-old Timothy Pruitt's lawsuit against Genentech claimed his manager falsely accused him of stealing half a sandwich, unnecessarily followed him around the office, and chastised him for coming into work late, even though a Caucasian co-worker was never reprimanded for doing the same.
In his lawsuit Pruitt also insisted that after 21-years with the company he was fired in 2017 as retaliation for filing a discrimination complaint.
Genentech officials say they respect the jury's decision, but they also say they disagree with the award and claim the company is committed to a diverse workforce.