'Working With Indians Was a Nightmare': Citi Employee Fired After 12 Years Over Alleged Racist Comment

A senior Citigroup employee based in London has filed a lawsuit against the bank, alleging unfair dismissal after reportedly describing working with Indians as a 'nightmare' during a virtual job interview.

Ann Watson, a former vice president in Citi's Finance Solutions Group, was dismissed in 2023 following an internal complaint about the comment made during the online meeting. She is now pursuing legal action against Citi, claiming discrimination and seeking compensation.

Alleged Comment Sparks Internal Investigation

According to legal documents, the incident took place during an internal job interview panel that included an interviewer of Indian heritage. Watson allegedly said: 'The project failed because I was working with a team of Indians. No offence to you, Kapil, but you know what Indians are like to work with. It's a nightmare.'

Following the remark, Citi reportedly placed Watson in an online waiting room. Upon rejoining the meeting, she allegedly added, 'Now it's your chance, Kapil, to get me back.'

The comment led to a formal complaint and subsequent investigation. Watson was dismissed after the bank's inquiry, but she claims she was not informed of the allegations until nearly a month later when the HR team raised the issue.

Claims of Medical and Age Discrimination

Watson, 55, argues that her dismissal was influenced not only by the alleged comment but also by discrimination related to her age, gender, and medical conditions, including menopausal symptoms and long COVID.

In her legal statement, Watson detailed suffering from brain fog, memory lapses, and occasional behavioural changes linked to long COVID and menopause. She contends these conditions may have affected her communication during the interview and says she does not clearly recall making the remark.

Despite this, she expressed remorse and insisted she would never intentionally use racially offensive language toward colleagues or interviewers.

Citigroup Defends Its Actions

Citigroup denies any wrongdoing and asserts that its internal investigation was thorough and fair. The bank maintains that Watson's dismissal was due to inappropriate workplace conduct, not her health status.

In court filings, Citi's legal team argued that Watson's medical symptoms 'could not have made or contributed to the claimant making racist comments.' The bank confirmed it followed proper procedures throughout the investigation and disciplinary process.

Citi declined to comment further as the legal proceedings continue.

Complex Issues of Intent, Perception, and Health in the Workplace

The case highlights the challenges employers face when balancing disciplinary actions with employees' medical conditions. Employment lawyers note that this lawsuit touches on sensitive topics including workplace discrimination, neurodivergence, and HR protocols.

Watson's legal representatives argue that after more than 12 years of service, she deserved support and reasonable accommodation rather than dismissal. They claim the bank's response was disproportionate and failed to consider mitigating factors.

The employment tribunal will need to determine whether Watson's alleged comment justified dismissal and if her medical conditions or age were improperly considered in the decision.

What's Next for the Case?

The lawsuit is currently before a London employment tribunal, with a ruling expected in the coming weeks. No official date has been set for the decision.

If the tribunal rules in Watson's favour, it could prompt wider discussions on how employers handle medical disclosures, unintentional offence, and context in disciplinary cases.

Until then, the case serves as a reminder of how a single workplace moment can have far-reaching career consequences.