Spotify faces a federal lawsuit filed by a former sales executive, who alleges race discrimination and retaliation during her employment.
Employment History and Allegations of Unequal Treatment
Mootry worked as a director of sales at Spotify, spending three years at the company. Court filings show she joined as a contractor in 2020 and became a full-time employee in 2021. She was one of only three Black employees in Spotify’s Chicago office during that period.
Mootry alleges that Spotify discriminated against her by holding her to higher performance standards than her non-Black colleagues. She claims the company assigned her weaker sales accounts, provided fewer resources, and gave her a less experienced team. She also states that management failed to address reported issues with workplace conduct.
Racial Stereotypes and Legal Statements
According to the filing, racial stereotypes were tolerated within the workplace. Her attorneys stated:
Spotify condoned an atmosphere where colleagues circulated race-based and stereotypical allegations that the plaintiff was difficult to work with, perpetuating the ‘angry Black woman’ stereotype.
The lawsuit further alleges that repeated complaints were raised with human resources but were dismissed. Her lawyers wrote:
Spotify’s decision to systematically disadvantage the plaintiff and other Black employees by setting them up for failure and then blaming them for the consequences is consistent with its pattern of mistreatment and retaliation.”
Spotify Response
Spotify has denied the allegations. In a statement, a company spokesperson said:
We strongly disagree with these allegations. Spotify is committed to a workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
Leave a comment