Bach, a decade-long veteran who oversaw hardware engineering, product management, and corporate planning, claims the remark came from HR Senior Director Rachael Rivera during a late 2024 investigation into company culture. He learned of it mid-2025, urged a colleague to report it, and filed his own grievance alongside complaints against VP Gemma Parker for similar bias. Despite Lucid confirming the slur, Bach says retaliation followed: demotion from powertrain oversight, exclusion from board meetings, and pressure to resign in October 2025. He was terminated November 5, with the company issuing a bland "departed" statement.
The federal suit in California's Northern District accuses discrimination based on his German heritage, retaliation, and scapegoating for Lucid's woes like Air and Gravity delays. Bach highlights praise from chairman Turqi Alnowaiser and board member Andrew Liveris, who eyed him for CTO and even CEO roles. Raises and bonuses underscored his value until the probe, which he calls "tainted by HR's racist beliefs."
Lucid calls the claims "absurd," confident facts will vindicate them. Sources hint internal reshuffles targeted product issues, elevating Emad Dlala to senior VP engineering. Bach seeks jury trial, EEOC charges, and plans California Civil Rights filings.
