In a striking legal battle that underscores the challenges faced by employees in hostile work environments, Michael Joyce has filed a lawsuit against his former employers, alleging severe workplace misconduct. The complaint was filed on March 20, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, targeting Simi CDJR and associated parties for a litany of grievances.
Michael Joyce's lawsuit accuses Simi CDJR, Ride Automotive Group, and several individuals including Yadwinder Singh and Vijay Sehdev of creating an intolerable work environment. Joyce alleges retaliation under Cal. Gov. Code § 12940(h), whistleblower retaliation per Cal. Lab. Code § 1102.5, and racial discrimination among other charges. The suit details how Joyce discovered unlawful compensation practices shortly after being hired as General Manager in September 2023 and repeatedly reported these issues to his superiors only to be met with dismissal or hostility.
Joyce's allegations are severe: he claims that Singh dismissed his concerns about illegal wage practices with comments like "we'll look at it later," and even made racially charged remarks such as "you're not brown enough." Despite attempts to rectify the pay structures with legal guidance from attorney Dave Reese, Joyce was allegedly met with increased hostility and retaliatory actions when he persisted in raising these issues.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for economic losses and emotional distress caused by what he describes as a campaign of harassment culminating in constructive discharge. Joyce outlines how the defendants failed to engage in good faith efforts to accommodate his medical needs following stress-induced health issues diagnosed by his psychiatrist. He also accuses them of wrongful suspension without pay after filing harassment complaints and stripping him of health benefits without notice.
Joyce is represented by Daniel Cohen from The Impact Firm based in Beverly Hills, CA. The case awaits assignment of a judge under Case ID FOS SCLUIOEOD40B92.