Kevin T. Hobbs has taken legal action against a major technology company, alleging discrimination and retaliation based on race and disability. On January 28, 2025, Hobbs filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Apple, Inc., accusing the company of violating multiple civil rights laws.
The case centers around Hobbs' employment with Apple, where he claims to have faced discriminatory treatment due to his race and disabilities. According to the complaint, Hobbs, who is Black and suffers from ADHD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Complex PTSD, alleges that Apple failed to accommodate his disabilities as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint further details that despite being qualified for his role as a Creative at Apple, Hobbs was subjected to excessive scrutiny and was denied reasonable accommodations that were afforded to his white colleagues.
Hobbs’ allegations extend beyond failure to accommodate; he asserts that Apple's actions constituted race discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Illinois Human Rights Act. He claims that as the only Black person on his team, he experienced a lack of support and increased scrutiny compared to his white counterparts who also had accommodations. The lawsuit describes instances where Hobbs was threatened with job loss if he did not return from medical leave prematurely—actions he believes were retaliatory following his requests for ADA accommodations.
The plaintiff seeks several forms of relief from the court. He demands a declaration that Apple's actions violated both federal and state laws protecting against discrimination based on race and disability. Additionally, Hobbs is asking for injunctive relief to prevent further violations by Apple against him or other employees. He is also seeking compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits, punitive damages for the alleged willful misconduct by Apple, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest on these amounts, attorney’s fees, costs incurred during litigation, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Kevin T. Hobbs in this legal battle is Antonio L. Jeffrey from Jeffrey Law Office LLC located in Oak Brook, Illinois. The case has been assigned Case No. 25-cv-960 in front of an undisclosed judge at this time.