Eight former employees have filed a lawsuit against SpaceX and its CEO, Elon Musk, alleging they were fired for challenging a workplace culture marked by rampant sexual harassment and a hostile “Animal House”-style environment. The lawsuit, filed in California state court, accuses Musk of orchestrating their terminations after they voiced concerns.

Allegations of a Hostile Work Culture

The former employees detailed their grievances in a 2022 open letter to SpaceX management, distributed via the company’s intranet. They described a work environment where inappropriate behavior was rampant and called for executives to condemn Musk’s public actions on X (formerly Twitter) and to hold all employees accountable for unacceptable conduct. The letter highlighted Musk’s dismissive attitude toward sexual harassment allegations against him, which he has denied.

The plaintiffs drew direct connections between Musk’s often lewd and controversial posts on social media and the atmosphere at SpaceX. They cited specific instances where Musk’s tweets closely mirrored inappropriate behavior examples covered in a 2021 employee training on “appropriate behavior.” One plaintiff, Yaman Abdulhak, sent these tweet examples to the SpaceX human resources director, who allegedly took no action.

Open Letter and Retaliatory Firings

The open letter was shared on SpaceX’s intranet, and the next day, four of the plaintiffs were fired. The remaining plaintiffs were terminated after an internal investigation. The plaintiffs allege that these firings were retaliatory, and aimed at silencing their complaints about the toxic work environment.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and emphasizes the need for accountability and change within SpaceX. The plaintiffs argue that Musk’s behavior and public statements have significantly contributed to a hostile work environment, making it difficult for employees to address their concerns without fear of retaliation.

National Labor Relations Board Involvement

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has also taken up the case, filing a federal complaint against SpaceX in January based on issues raised by the nine fired employees. The NLRB’s involvement adds a significant layer of scrutiny to the allegations against SpaceX and Musk, highlighting the broader implications of the case for labor rights and workplace standards in the tech industry.

The lawsuit and NLRB complaint underscore the growing concerns about corporate accountability and the treatment of employees in high-profile tech companies. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how companies address internal complaints and handle public behavior by their executives.

SpaceX has not yet responded to the allegations or the lawsuit. As the case progresses, it will likely draw significant attention to the practices and culture within one of the world’s most prominent aerospace companies. The plaintiffs hope their actions will lead to meaningful changes at SpaceX, ensuring a safer and more respectful work environment for all employees.