ArcelorMittal lawyers acknowledged during the trial that Turley's description of the abuse was largely accurate, but argued it amounted to common "trash-talking" and executives took steps to stop it, including hiring a private investigator, installing security cameras and suspending employees involved.
"We are astonished by today's decision and consider the compensatory and punitive damages figure excessive," ArcelorMittal said in the statement after the verdict. "We are disappointed that the jury ruled in favor of the plaintiff as we believe that the plaintiff's claims were unfounded."
The company indicated it might appeal.
Production at Lackawanna ended in 2009. ArcelorMittal continues to operate other plants in the U.S.
“During the trial, Turley, who is black, testified that “KKK” and “King Kong” graffiti were written on the walls of the plant and a stuffed monkey with a noose around its neck was found hanging from his driver’s side mirror.”
“ArcelorMittal lawyers acknowledged during the trial that Turley’s description of the abuse was largely accurate…”
“ArcelorMittal said in the statement after the verdict. “We are disappointed that the jury ruled in favor of the plaintiff as we believe that the plaintiff’s claims were unfounded.”