A former employee has launched a legal battle against a major corporation, alleging wrongful termination and defamation that have significantly impacted his career prospects. Michael Aldridge filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on November 26, 2024, against ExxonMobil and several associated parties.
The case centers around Aldridge's claims that he was wrongfully terminated by ExxonMobil in 2018, an action he argues violated both federal and state laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law. Aldridge, an African American man, contends that following his termination, ExxonMobil engaged in a campaign to tarnish his reputation within the chemical industry. According to the complaint, whenever potential employers contacted ExxonMobil for references, they were allegedly provided with false information describing Aldridge as "unsafe" and "a hazard to the environment," effectively blocking him from securing new employment opportunities.
Aldridge further alleges that this negative portrayal was part of a broader conspiracy involving unnamed co-conspirators (referred to as DOES 1 through DOES 20) who worked alongside Glenn Richard, an employee at ExxonMobil. The plaintiff accuses these parties of engaging in retaliatory actions due to his previous complaints about workplace discrimination and retaliation. The complaint outlines multiple causes of action including breach of contract, libel and slander, interference with business relations, and civil conspiracy.
In seeking redress from the court, Aldridge requests various forms of relief. He is asking for compensatory damages exceeding $1 million for lost wages and emotional distress caused by what he describes as defamatory rumors spread by ExxonMobil. Additionally, he seeks punitive damages aimed at penalizing the defendants for their alleged malicious conduct. Aldridge also demands reinstatement of employment rights along with back pay and future pay entitlements.
Representing Michael Aldridge is attorney Pius A. Obioha from the Law Offices of Pius A. Obioha & Associates LLC. The case is filed under Case ID 2:24-cv-02764 but does not list any specific judges assigned yet.