Former executives sue Twitter for over $1 Million in expenses, Twitter responds with poop emoji
San Francisco: Former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal and two other top executives who were terminated by Elon Musk last year have filed a lawsuit on Monday, seeking reimbursement for expenses related to litigation, investigations, and congressional inquiries connected to their former roles.
The executives, who served as the company's former chief legal and financial officers, assert that they are entitled to more than $1 million in compensation, and that Twitter has a legal obligation to pay them.
In response to an AFP request for comment, Twitter followed its tradition of using a poop emoji. The recent court filing lists a variety of expenses incurred as a result of inquiries by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), but lacks specifics about the investigations, including whether they are ongoing or not.
Court documents reveal that Agrawal and former chief financial officer Ned Segal testified to the SEC last year and have remained in communication with federal authorities. The SEC is conducting an investigation to determine whether Elon Musk followed securities regulations while accumulating Twitter shares.
After Elon Musk's release of the "Twitter Files" related to content moderation on the platform, former Twitter chief legal officer Vijaya Gadde was summoned to participate in a US congressional hearing concerning big tech and free speech. Additionally, the court documents stated that Gadde was sued by an individual who claimed to have been "doxed" on Twitter as a white supremacist. Gadde was listed as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Elon Musk fired Parag Agrawal, Vijaya Gadde, and Ned Segal from their positions after his contentious $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in late October. The trio of former executives maintain that Twitter is obligated to reimburse them according to their agreements, but the company has only acknowledged receiving their invoices and taken no further action, according to their claim.
Upon assuming control of Twitter, Elon Musk rapidly reduced the number of employees, leading to concerns about the platform's stability and its capacity to combat misinformation and other forms of abuse. Additionally, allegations have surfaced claiming that Twitter has failed to pay rent and other bills, in accordance with Musk's commitment to "slash costs relentlessly."
As Elon Musk reduces moderation efforts on Twitter, market analysts report that advertising revenue has dropped sharply due to concerns about the proliferation of misinformation and hateful content on the platform.
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Empowering Bengaluru: Hitachi Rail Supports Sanjay Gandhi And St Josephs
Corporate Social Responsibility is often spoken about, but meaningful action is what truly makes a difference. In Bengaluru, Hitachi Rail STS India has demonstrated how responsible corporate engagement can directly support society by strengthening healthcare services and promoting education for students who need support.
As part of its CSR initiatives, the company has contributed ₹66 lakh towards important community causes in the city. The contributions focus on two critical areas that shape the well-being and future of society — healthcare and education.
A significant portion of the contribution, ₹50 lakh, has been donated to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Bengaluru. The funds will be used to purchase essential medical equipment that will help the hospital enhance its healthcare services. With growing patient needs and increasing demand for advanced medical facilities, such support plays an important role in strengthening public healthcare infrastructure.
The cheque for this contribution was formally handed over by Mr. Manoj Kumar Krishnappa, Director and Head of Hitachi Rail STS India, to Dr. Madan Ballal, Director of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital. The gesture highlights the company’s commitment to ensuring that hospitals serving large sections of the public have the tools and equipment required to deliver better treatment and care.
Healthcare support, however, was only one part of the company’s broader community effort. Recognising that education remains the foundation of long-term social progress, Hitachi Rail STS India also contributed ₹16 lakh to the Jesuit Education Society in Bengaluru, a unit of St. Joseph’s School and College. The funds will be used to support students who require financial assistance, enabling them to continue their education and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Manoj Kumar Krishnappa emphasised that the company believes businesses have a responsibility that goes beyond commercial success. According to him, initiatives that strengthen healthcare systems and support the education of underprivileged students help create a stronger and more inclusive society.
Such initiatives reflect a broader philosophy within Hitachi Rail STS India — that corporate growth and social responsibility must move together. By investing in healthcare infrastructure and educational support, the company aims to contribute to lasting improvements in the communities where it operates.
Hitachi Rail STS India is widely recognised as a leading provider of advanced railway signalling and transportation solutions. The company focuses on innovation, safety, and sustainable mobility in the transportation sector. At the same time, through its CSR initiatives, it continues to extend its impact beyond engineering and infrastructure by supporting social development and community welfare.
In a rapidly growing city like Bengaluru, partnerships between institutions and responsible corporate entities can play a crucial role in addressing social challenges. Contributions such as these not only strengthen healthcare facilities and educational access but also set an example of how industry can actively participate in building a healthier and more equitable society.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or position of the publication, its editors, or its management. The publication is not responsible for the accuracy of any information, statements, or opinions presented in this piece.
