Tesla is now reportedly seeking a ridiculous amount of damages from Martin Tripp in the form of $167 million, the self-proclaimed Tesla whistleblower who Tesla CEO Elon Musk has described as a “saboteur”.
In June, Musk said that Tripp had sabotaged software in the automaker’s manufacturing system and stolen data.
Tesla is suing Tripp for leaking the data, misrepresenting it in the media, and messing with its manufacturing software.
In his defense, Tripp claimed that he is a whistleblower and that the information that he leaked, including the claim that Tesla installed punctured battery cells inside Model 3 battery packs that were delivered to customers, was to expose the company and Musk.
Tripp countersued the automaker for $1 million during the summer.
As Tesla’s lawsuit progress, the company is now reportedly seeking “more than $167,000,000”, according to a new filing from Tripp’s lawyers.
CNBC reported:
“Tripp’s lawyers wrote in that report: “Tesla has objected to Mr. Tripp’s desire to take more than ten depositions…In this case, where Mr. Tripp is being sued for more than $167,000,000 and has asserted counterclaims against Tesla, more than ten depositions is certainly reasonable and appropriate.”
In a recent new filing, Tesla also attempted to block the request from Tripp’s lawyers to depose Musk and more than 10 people involved with the company.
Electrek’s Take
I seriously doubt Tripp’s claims and based on comments he made online, I think he is an immature, vindictive guy, but I have to agree with his lawyers when they say that the amount Tesla is requesting is “absurd”.
It’s apparently based on the decrease of Tesla’s stock price following media outlets publishing Tripp’s claims.
Tripp had to crowdfund money to cover his attorney fees, I doubt that Tesla would recover anything from suing him.
I assume they are doing it to discourage others from doing the same, but the whole situation is ridiculous to me.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.
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