Musk’s Comments and the Court’s Response
The complaint also highlighted Musk’s public remarks, including his controversial decision to remove the “w” from Twitter’s headquarters sign, leaving it to read “Titter.” Frederick-Osborn cited such behavior — along with Musk’s comment that “being a mom is just as important as any career” — as evidence of a sexist company culture.
In April 2024, U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley dismissed the age bias portion of the case but allowed the sex bias claims to proceed. The court found that Musk’s statements about motherhood and his workplace expectations could suggest knowledge of how the new demands might disadvantage female employees.
X denied all allegations in a May 2024 response, maintaining that its post-acquisition restructuring was lawful and non-discriminatory.
Settlement Brings an Unquiet End
Though the case ends without a trial, it leaves a lingering question about the culture shift under Musk’s leadership. Both sides declined to comment following the dismissal.
Frederick-Osborn was represented by Shannon Liss-Riordan and Thomas Fowler of Lichten & Liss-Riordan PC, while X Corp. was defended by Eric Meckley, Brian D. Berry, and Ashlee N. Cherry of Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP.
With the X Sex Bias Suit end, the chapter closes on yet another legal challenge for Musk’s social media empire — a saga emblematic of the turbulent era that turned Twitter into X and reshaped its workforce with unrelenting force.
