A US judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by former Twitter employees who accused billionaire Elon Musk of unlawfully withholding nearly $500 million in severance payments following his acquisition of the company.

Judge Trina Thompson ruled that the former employees failed to demonstrate that their claims were protected under federal law. This ruling marks a significant legal victory for Musk, who purchased Twitter in 2022 and swiftly implemented major changes, including the termination of thousands of employees. These actions have led to numerous lawsuits from former staff and vendors who allege the company did not honor promised payments.

The dismissed lawsuit was filed in 2023 by Courtney McMillian, the former head of total rewards at Twitter, now renamed X by Musk. McMillian's complaint alleged that the company only provided one month's pay as severance instead of the more generous benefits, which included at least two months of salary and contributions toward health insurance that were previously promised.

Musk’s legal team argued that the claims did not fall under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which sets standards for private health and pension plans. Judge Thompson agreed, stating that the act did not apply as claimed by the plaintiffs.

Despite this ruling, other lawsuits related to Musk's takeover of Twitter are still pending. These include cases brought by former company leaders and other staff members, which are progressing through the courts. Judge Thompson noted that although her court lacked jurisdiction, the plaintiffs might find recourse in other ongoing cases related to wage and severance disputes.

A spokesperson for McMillian's legal team expressed disappointment with the ruling and indicated they are considering their options for moving forward. This sentiment underscores the ongoing tension and legal challenges that Musk and Twitter/X continue to face post-acquisition.

The severance issue has been a focal point of contention since Musk's acquisition. The rapid restructuring and layoffs were part of Musk’s broader strategy to reshape the company, which has included rebranding and significant shifts in operational practices. The controversy around severance pay highlights the broader implications of corporate takeovers and the legal frameworks that govern employee rights and compensation.

This case underscores the complexities involved in severance agreements and the importance of clearly defined legal protections for employees. It also illustrates the potential challenges employers face when implementing large-scale layoffs and restructuring efforts.

As Twitter, now X, continues to evolve under Musk’s leadership, the company must navigate these legal challenges while striving to maintain operational stability and growth. The outcome of ongoing and future lawsuits will likely impact not only the company’s financial health but also its reputation and employee relations.

The dismissal of the $500 million severance lawsuit represents a notable legal win for Elon Musk amidst the broader context of his controversial takeover of Twitter. As additional cases progress through the courts, the ultimate resolution of these legal battles will be critical in shaping the future landscape for both Musk's enterprises and corporate governance at large.