In a riveting turn of events that sounds like it’s straight out of a Silicon Valley drama, former executives of Twitter, now known as X Corp., have thrown down the gauntlet, suing Elon Musk for a staggering $128 million in unpaid severance. This high-stakes legal battle pits Parag Agrawal, Ned Segal, Vijaya Gadde, and Sean Edgett against the billionaire in a confrontation that’s more than just about money; it’s a narrative of promises, power, and the pursuit of what’s owed.
The roots of this conflict trace back to Musk’s acquisition of Twitter for $44 billion, a deal fraught with controversy from the start. Musk, who initially sought to back out of the purchase, eventually sealed the deal under the looming threat of legal action. However, the transition of power was anything but smooth. In what can only be described as a sweeping purge, Musk dismissed several top leaders, including the four executives now seeking justice through the courts.
Their lawsuit alleges they were fired “without reason, then made up fake cause” as part of Musk’s alleged strategy to dodge severance payments. Under a longstanding severance plan, they argue, they’re entitled to significant compensation, including one year’s salary and stock awards — an amount totaling more than $128 million collectively.
But the drama doesn’t end there. The lawsuit paints a broader picture of Musk’s reign over Twitter-turned-X as one marked by a refusal to honor financial commitments, not just to them but to employees more broadly. It mentions a pattern of behavior that includes nonpayment to vendors and landlords, citing over 25 lawsuits filed against the company.
Musk’s alleged comments to his biographer, expressing a desire to “hunt every single one of” Twitter’s executives “till the day they die,” adds a chilling layer to the narrative. The filing suggests these weren’t just offhand remarks but indicative of Musk’s calculated intent to withhold severance as a form of retribution.
This lawsuit comes at a time when Musk’s leadership style and business ethics are under fierce scrutiny. From rebranding Twitter to X, to massive layoffs and allegations of unpaid bills, Musk’s tenure has been controversial, to say the least. Now, as this case moves forward, it holds the potential not only to impact the lives of the executives involved but to set a precedent for how business giants fulfill their obligations to their leaders and workers alike.
As this saga unfolds, it’s clear that the battle is about more than just the severance pay. It’s a litmus test for corporate accountability, a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs who might find themselves in Musk’s shoes, and a beacon of hope for employees standing up for their rights in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The world is watching, and the outcome of this case may well redefine the norms of executive compensation and the ethical responsibilities of business moguls.
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Elon Musk sued by former Twitter executives over $128m unpaid severance
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Ex-Twitter executives sue Elon Musk for $128 million in severance pay
