'Nightmare to work with Indians': Former Citigroup executive claims unfair dismissal after racist comment

citi bank employee fired over racial remark about indians sues bank for unfair dismissal

Ann Watson, a former Citigroup executive in London, has filed a legal claim against the bank, alleging unfair dismissal and discrimination after being terminated in 2023 for a remark made during an internal job interview.

During the a formal job interview for an internal position, Watson reportedly told an Indian-origin interviewer that her project had failed because she was working with a team of Indians, adding, "No offense to you," referring to the interviewer's background.

The interview was briefly paused following the comment. When it resumed, she added, "Now it's your chance, Kapil, to get me back."

A month later, Citigroup’s HR team informed her that she was being terminated over the racial nature of her remark.

“I was horrified to hear these as I would not blame a culture or country for any kind of failure or direct any such comments toward an interview panel that I was applying for a role with,” Watson said in her witness statement for the London hearing.

While Watson acknowledged making the remark, she claimed she couldn’t recall it due to cognitive issues related to long Covid and menopause. Her legal team argued that her health struggles and 12 years of service were not considered, and that the reaction to her comment was excessive.

“I never intended to insult or stereotype. I was under immense pressure and my cognitive function has been affected,” she reportedly said.

Citigroup maintained that its investigation was fair and that Watson’s health condition did not excuse the inappropriate comment.