Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is being sued by his former housekeeper over working conditions.
Mercedes Wedaa claims in the lawsuit Bezos “discriminated against” her “because of her race.”
She claims Bezos made her “work long hours without rest or meal breaks” and exposed her to “unsafe and unsanitary work conditions.”
Additionally, Wedaa argued Bezos “retaliated against and wrongfully terminated” her employment.
Harry Korrell, an attorney who represents Bezos, issued a statement to Insider.
“We have investigated the claims, and they lack merit. Ms. Wedaa made over six figures annually and was the lead housekeeper,” Korrell said.
He continued, “She was responsible for her own break and meal times, and there were several bathrooms and breakrooms available to her and other staff. The evidence will show that Ms. Wedaa was terminated for performance reasons. She initially demanded over $9M, and when the company refused, she decided to file this suit.”
The outlet noted Wedaa began working for Bezos in 2019.
The lawsuit comes less than a week after it was reported Bezos’ fortune dropped by $7.2 billion after Amazon predicted its holiday sales would decrease below the expectations of analysts.
Bezos is currently ranked fourth on Forbes’ Real Time Billionaires tracker.
His worth is estimated at $127.2 billion.
The billionaire stepped down as Amazon’s CEO in July 2021.
He currently owns a 10% stake in the company.