Moderna’s vaccine ‘MacGyver’ sues after alleged mental health leave firing

About thirty minutes later, the complaint alleges, the worker’s former supervisor and an HR business partner from his old team called to say his previous position had been eliminated – because he had already transferred out of it.

The complaint describes a catch-22: the worker could not stay in the new role because of the performance rating, and could not go back to his old role because it no longer existed.

He was terminated that same day, with an effective date of March 27, 2026, according to the filing. The complaint alleges Moderna immediately cut off his computer access, barred him from its facilities, and gave him no chance to speak with colleagues.

The worker filed a charge of discrimination with the EEOC on April 22, 2026, and received a right-to-sue letter on September 1, 2026, according to the complaint. The lawsuit brings two counts: disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and retaliation under the Family and Medical Leave Act, which protects employees who take approved medical leave from being penalised for doing so.

The complaint seeks back pay, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorney fees. It also flags that the worker plans to add a claim under Pennsylvania’s state anti-discrimination law.