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A federal race discrimination lawsuit filed against Red Bull Distribution alleges that HR failed to respond effectively to repeated complaints from a former employee.
Jywaun Williams, an African-American former account sales manager based in Erie, Pennsylvania, filed the complaint on February 15 in the US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The lawsuit claims he was terminated because of his race and for reporting alleged discrimination.
Williams worked for the company from late 2023 until May 30, 2025. He began as a merchandiser, later becoming a sales trainee before being promoted to Account Sales Manager around March 2024. Court filings describe him as a competent and satisfactory employee.
HR complaints and workplace conduct
According to the lawsuit, tensions began shortly after his promotion during a ride-along with District Sales Manager Jesse Young, who allegedly referred to Williams as "boy." Williams asked Young not to use the term and explained that he found it offensive. Young apologized, though the complaint states the supervisor appeared unhappy about being corrected.
Williams alleges his working relationship with Young changed afterward. Conversations became transactional and questions were met with sarcasm, while white Account Sales Managers received more supportive treatment. When Williams later raised the issue directly, Young allegedly said he treated white colleagues differently because "the other guys and I have so much more in common."
Williams says he contacted HR twice about the situation. During the first conversation, which took place around late December 2024 or early January 2025, the HR representative responded, "I don't know that I would go that far," and said the matter would be reviewed. Williams contacted HR again on May 7, 2025, the same day he received a warning that another late arrival could lead to termination.
Attendance dispute and termination
The lawsuit describes an attendance dispute connected to transportation challenges following an ice storm in January 2025. Williams says he was instructed to report to work during the storm and was involved in an accident that left his vehicle unusable. He relied on borrowed vehicles, rentals, and ride-share services for several weeks afterward.
Williams told his supervisor that transportation delays could occasionally cause lateness. He alleges inconsistent instructions followed regarding how to report delays, while white colleagues were not monitored in the same way.
After the May 7 warning, Williams experienced another accident on his route that same day and remained off work until May 27 recovering from injuries. On May 30, he attended a meeting with Young, two managers, and an HR representative on the phone, where he was informed he was being terminated for tardiness. Williams objected, stating the warning applied only to lateness after May 7 and that he had not been late since then. The termination decision remained unchanged.
The lawsuit brings claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, alleging race discrimination and retaliation. Additional claims under Pennsylvania state law are expected. No determination has been made, and the case remains in its early stages. Red Bull has not responded to the filing.
