Tesla whistleblower wins legal fight against Elon Musk

• Published On: 17 April 2025 at 19:57

A former Tesla engineer has won a significant legal win in her years-long struggle against the electric vehicle manufacturer and its CEO, Elon Musk.

Cristina Balan, who was fired by Tesla in 2014 for voicing concerns about vehicle safety, has successfully overturned a lower court judgement that had prevented her defamation claim from proceeding. The US Court of Appeals found that the district court exceeded its power by affirming a private arbitration ruling that dismissed her claims.

Balan was one of Tesla's top engineers, and her initials, "CB," are inscribed on the Model S batteries. She alleges she was fired after warning the firm about a safety issue with floor mats curling under the pedals, which she feared could endanger drivers by interfering with braking.

"I want to clear my name," Balan told the BBC News. "I wish Elon Musk had the decency to apologise."

Tesla accused Balan of squandering company resources for a "secret project" after her discharge, which she disputes, claiming it is false and harmful to her reputation. In 2019, she launched a defamation complaint against Tesla, but it was referred to arbitration due to an agreement she signed while working for the company.

An arbitrator dismissed the lawsuit, citing the time since the claimed defamation. Tesla then requested a federal court to uphold the arbitration decision. However, Balan filed an appeal and has now won.

The appeals court judgement allows her to refile the claim, potentially bringing the case before a public jury and judge.

"We are hoping we will start a new lawsuit and we will have the chance to take on Elon Musk in front of a jury and judge," Balan told the crowd.

Beyond the courtroom, Balan has encountered personal issues. She was diagnosed with breast cancer throughout the court struggle but is now in remission. She claims that her fight is not only about recovering her reputation, but also about setting an example for her little kid.

"I'm fighting for justice—for myself, for my son, and for every worker who dares to speak up," she told me.