Former Tesla engineer Cristina Balan, who has been embroiled in a legal battle with Elon Musk and his company for a decade, recently shared her emotional journey with BBC News. Balan, who has just completed her chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer, is not only fighting for her life but also for her reputation.
Balan, once a rising star at Tesla, was terminated in 2014 after raising concerns about the safety of braking in Tesla vehicles. She claims that she was wrongfully accused of embezzlement by the company, a charge she vehemently denies.
Despite being in remission from breast cancer, Balan’s biggest fear is not living to see her day in court to prove her innocence. She is determined to clear her name for the sake of her son, who she wants to see her as a hero, not a thief.
Balan’s case will be heard in the California Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, but a date has not been set yet. She believes that this legal battle is her only chance for professional vindication and to salvage her career.
The story of Cristina Balan sheds light on the challenges faced by whistleblowers in the tech industry and the high stakes involved in speaking out against powerful companies. Despite the obstacles she has faced, Balan remains resolute in her quest for justice and hopes to set the record straight for herself and her son.