On 2nd day of SFMTA discrimination trial, chaos and confusion ends in mistrial

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) encountered a mistrial in a discrimination lawsuit filed by former employee Elias Georgopoulos. Key witness James Lee challenged the attorneys during his testimony, prompting Judge Daniel Flores to declare a mistrial and restart the trial. Georgopoulos's lawsuit alleges that the SFMTA failed to intervene against harassment and discrimination, specifically from coworkers and administrator Shawn McCormick, who he accused of discriminatory practices. The SFMTA refuted these claims, presenting evidence of multiple complaints against Georgopoulos for his own aggressive behavior. Lee testified that he witnessed Georgopoulos only once yelling at a coworker, and he advised Georgopoulos to avoid McCormick due to alleged racist remarks.

Additionally, Lee noted that another coworker, Sterling Haywood, engaged in physical intimidation against Georgopoulos. The judge reprimanded Georgopoulos's attorney for allegedly coaching Lee, stating it was an improper legal practice. This case highlights ongoing issues of workplace discrimination and the complexities of legal proceedings in such matters.