On Monday, a jury reached a verdict in the case of former Starbucks regional director Shannon Phillips, who sued the company for wrongful termination, alleging that she was fired due to her race as a White individual.

Shannon Phillips had been employed by Starbucks for approximately 13 years and held a managerial role overseeing a region of stores.

Her termination followed the arrest of two Black men at a Philadelphia Starbucks in April 2018, CNN reported.

The jury in New Jersey delivered a unanimous verdict awarding Phillips $25.6 million in total damages.

This amount includes $25 million for punitive damages and $600,000 in compensatory damages.

Console Mattiacci Law, the legal representatives for Phillips, confirmed the jury’s decision and stated that Phillips will also seek back and front pay as part of the resolution.

In response to the verdict, Starbucks expressed its disappointment and stated that it is assessing its next course of action. Jaci Anderson, a spokesperson for Starbucks, conveyed this information to CNN.

Written by staff