A Newport Beach, California, resident is suing Hyundai Motor and the air taxi startup Supernal it backs, accusing them of retaliation after she complained about alleged investor deception and gender discrimination.

Diana Cooper, who joined Supernal in 2020 as the company's sixth employee, says she was harassed, marginalized and underpaid, according to a complaint filed Oct. 17 with the Superior Court of California.

One of several young companies racing to achieve electric air mobility in California, Supernal is backed by Hyundai and affiliated with Hyundai Motor America. The Irvine-based company is developing a battery-powered, vertical takeoff and landing air taxi.

Shortly after launching, Supernal recruited Cooper for her expertise in emerging aviation policy.

Supernal retaliated aga

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